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Mercy Dialysis Center
Potassium and Peritoneal Dialysis
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.
In peritoneal dialysis, potassium is cleared very well through the dialysis treatments. As a result, most peritoneal patients require extra potassium in their diet to make up for the potassium lost in dialysis. Most patients can maintain optimal potassium levels by including two to three servings of high potassium foods daily. A good variety of other fruits and vegetables should be included as well.
Highest Potassium Foods (Choose 2 or 3 sources a day):
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe/Muskmelon
- Dried Fruits
- Oranges/Orange Juice
- Potatoes
- Prunes/Prune Juice
- Spinach
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Winter Squash
Medium Potassium Foods (2 medium sources = 1 high source)
- Asparagus
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Grapefruit
- Fresh Peaches
- Fresh Pears
- Strawberries
