Services
Mercy Dialysis Center
Potassium and and Hemodialysis
Potassium is an “electrolyte.” Potassium is found in the blood and in the body cells. One of the main functions of potassium is to help keep your muscles and heart functioning properly. If potassium levels become too low or too high, heart function may be affected. Very high or very low levels of potassium can lead to a heart attack. On lab results, potassium lab values should be maintained between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dl.
Patients on hemodialysis must limit their potassium intake. Most patients can maintain optimal potassium levels with a moderate potassium restriction. Fruits and vegetables are the major sources of potassium. See the following guide for general recommendations. Your dialysis staff will individualize your potassium restriction based on your labs.
Highest Potassium Foods Limit to one serving/day (1 serving = ½ cup)
- Bananas
- Dates
- Fresh Apricots
- Fresh Peach
- Fresh Pears
- Grapefruit/Grapefruit Juice
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Melons
- Nectarines
- Oranges/Orange Juice
- Prunes/Juice
- Raisins
- Strawberries
- Tangelos
- Avoid: Starfruit
Lower Potassium Fruits Limit to two to three servings/day (1 serving = ½ cup)
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Canned Fruits
- Cherries
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Plums
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
Higher Potassium Vegetables Limit to two servings/day (1
serving = ½ cup)
(To
reduce the amount of potassium in a vegetable, soak in water for at least
two hours.)
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Legumes
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potatoes
- Swiss Chard
- Tomatoes/Sauce/Juice
- Winter Squash
- Zucchini
Lower Potassium Vegetables Limit to two to three servings/day (1 serving = ½ cup)
- Cabbage
- Canned corn
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peas
- Peppers
- Radishes
- Turnips
Low Potassium Drinks (Include as part of fluid allowance)
- 7-Up
- Apple Juice
- Cranberry Juice
- Crystal Light
- Grape Juice
- Kool-aide
- Lemonade
- Limeade
- Sprite
For more information contact Linda Hopper,RD,CSR,LD , Mercy Dialysis Center, Mason City, IA. 50401 Revised 7/2/02
