Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet
Do you have health issues regarding your kidney? We know how troublesome it may feel.
USA reports show that between 2015-2018, more than 38% of people older than 65 years were suffering from chronic kidney diseases.
Sodium and Potassium in your diet are crucial for a healthy heart, and if you have kidney issues, your doctor may prescribe low sodium low potassium diet.
Sodium helps your body retain water that requires your heart to work extra.
Sodium, apart from salt, comes from processed, packaged, and fast foods that you should cut for good health.
Potassium is another vital mineral found in various foods that’s also essential for heart health. If potassium levels become higher, you should eat low potassium to control potassium levels.
You can keep yourself healthy by keeping track of everything you eat and drink.
Everyone has different nutritional requirements, so plan a diet that works for you and speak with a renal dietitian (specializing in food and nutrition for kidney disease).
What is a Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet?
The kidneys’ sole function is to eliminate waste and excess fluid from your body through urine. They also include salt and potassium.
The fluids in your body should be in balance. A low sodium low potassium diet is a technique of eating that prevents additional damage to the kidney.
Importance of Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet For Kidney
Your health depends on what you consume. Eat a balanced, low-fat, low-salt diet to maintain good health and manage your blood pressure.
Low sodium low potassium diet may also aid in the prevention of additional kidney impairment.
A low sodium low potassium diet restricts some foods to prevent minerals from accumulating in your body.
Basics of Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet
With a low sodium low potassium diet, you need to track how much of certain nutrients you take in, such as:
- Calories
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates
Make sure you eat and drink the proper amounts. The “Nutrition Facts” label contains all of the information you need to keep track of your intake.
This can assist you in selecting foods that are high in the nutrients you require while being low in those you should avoid.
There are a few important places in the nutrition facts that will provide you with the information you require.
Portions:
It’s an excellent start to consume nutritious foods, but excess eating is harmful. Keep track of your food intake, which is another essential way for a balanced diet.
To find out how much each nutrient is in one serving, look at the nutrition facts label on a portion of food.
Many packages contain multiple servings. Consult your dietician for a list of nutrition data for new foods and recommendations on measuring the proper quantities.
Eat slow and quit when you feel full, as it takes your stomach around 20 minutes to signal that you are full to your brain.
Difference Between Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet From Other Diets
When your kidneys aren’t performing correctly, waste and fluid accumulate in your body. Over time, the waste and additional liquid can harm your heart, bones, and other organs.
A Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet restricts the number of specific minerals and fluids you consume. This will prevent waste and liquid from accumulating and causing difficulties.
Your diet plan should limit:
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Phosphorus
- Fluids
Concerns For Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet
- It may be challenging to receive all the vitamins and minerals you require if you follow a Low Sodium Low Potassium Diet. Your dietician may recommend supplements designed for persons with renal disease to help you obtain the proper quantities of vitamins and minerals.
- One specific type of vitamin D, folic acid, or iron pill may also be recommended by your doctor or dietician to help avoid some frequent side effects of kidney disease, such as bone disease and anemia. Vitamins that are right for you can be found with the advice of your doctor or nutritionist.
- Important! You should disclose any vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter medicines you’re talking to your doctor and dietician. Some of these can harm your kidneys or cause other health issues.
Sodium – Definition And Role In The Body
Sodium is found in nearly all-natural foods. Salt or sodium in various forms may be present in the foods we eat. Due to the additional salt, processed foods frequently have greater sodium levels.
One of the body’s three primary electrolytes is sodium (Potassium and chloride are the other two).
The electrolytes regulate the flow of fluids in and out of the tissues and cells of the body. Sodium is involved in the following processes:
- Blood pressure and blood volume control
- Nerve function and muscle contraction are both regulated.
- Keeping the blood’s acid-base balance in check
- Maintaining a balance between how much fluid the body retains and how much it excretes.
Monitor Sodium intake:
For patients with kidney illness, too much salt can be dangerous because their kidneys cannot efficiently clear excess sodium and fluid from the body.
The accumulation of salt and fluid in the tissues and bloodstream can lead to:
- Thirst increase
- Swelling in the legs, hands, and face is known as edema.
- High blood pressure.
- Excess fluid in the bloodstream can cause your heart to overwork, causing it to become enlarged and feeble.
Ways to monitor sodium intake:
You can monitor sodium intake by doing the below mentioned:
- Always read the labels on foods. The amount of sodium in a product is always stated.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as no-salt-added canned and frozen products, are good choices.
- You should avoid processed foods.
- Compare brands and choose the lowest sodium options.
- Use spices that don’t have “salt” in their name (choose garlic powder instead of garlic salt.)
- When cooking at home, leave out the salt.
- Limit salt intake to 400 milligrams per meal and 150 milligrams every snack.
Potassium – Definition And Role In The Body
Potassium is found in various foods, and the human body requires it to function properly. Potassium helps maintain the heartbeat regularly and the muscles in good operating order.
Potassium is also necessary to keep the bloodstream’s fluid and electrolyte balance. The kidneys maintain a healthy potassium balance by excreting excess potassium into the urine.
Track Your Potassium Intake
When the kidneys no longer regulate potassium, the amount of potassium that enters the body must be monitored.
Make sure you follow these tips to maintain your potassium levels in your blood safe:
- Make an eating plan with the help of a renal dietitian.
- You should avoid potassium-rich foods.
- Limit yourself to 8 ounces of milk and dairy products per day.
- Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is the best option.
- It would be best if you avoid potassium-containing salt replacements and seasonings.
- Avoid potassium chloride by reading the labels on packaged foods.
- Keep an eye on the serving size.
When the kidneys fail, the body’s potassium levels rise because the kidneys cannot eliminate extra potassium. Excess potassium in the blood causes hyperkalemia that can lead to:
- Muscle weakness
- An irregular heartbeat
- Slow pulse
- Heart attacks
- Death
Reduce Potassium Intake
Potassium aids in the normal functioning of your neurons and muscles. However, if you have CKD, your body cannot filter out excess potassium, which can cause major heart issues.
A doctor may advise you to eat low-potassium food items such as:
- Apples and apple juice
- Cranberries and cranberry juice
- Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Plums
- Pineapples
- Peaches
- Cabbage
- Boiled cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Beans (green or wax)
- Celery
- Cucumber
Fluids
Fluid regulation is critical for patients with chronic kidney disease in the later stages since average fluid consumption can lead to fluid buildup in the body, which can be harmful.
Since dialysis patients’ urine flow is generally reduced, extra fluid in the body can put undue strain on the heart and lungs.
The fluid allowance is determined individually based on urine output and dialysis settings. It’s critical to stick to your nephrologist’s or nutritionist’s fluid consumption recommendations.
When to Visit a Professional For Kidney Diet?
Sodium and potassium help the body perform several crucial tasks.
A person who has a health problem that affects their kidneys or adrenal system may need to avoid accumulating potassium and sodium and carefully regulate their potassium consumption.
A doctor can recommend a low sodium low potassium diet. It’s critical to collaborate closely with them to maintain sodium and potassium levels and keep them in balance.
People with CKD should reduce potassium consumption. You must also visit a doctor regularly to have your kidney function monitored.
A dietitian can assist you to read nutrition labels, reducing portion sizes, and planning meals, in addition to consulting with a doctor.
Hyperkalemia treatment differs depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.
Hyperkalemia is more common in specific categories of people, especially older people and men, and is more likely if you have kidney illness, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or have a past heart attack history.
The first step in preventing Hyperkalemia and finding successful treatment is to speak with a doctor.
Day | Breakfast (45g carbs daily) | Lunch (60g carbs daily) | Snack (15g carbs daily) | Dinner (75g carbs daily) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday | ½ grapefruit 1 cup coffee or tea 1 ½ cup corn flakes ½ cup non-dairy creamer without phosphorus | 1 cup grapes 1 cup water Sandwich: 2 white bread slices, 2 oz roasted white turkey and 2 t light mayo ½ cup macaroni salad (homemade): ½ cup macaroni, ¼ cup celery, 1 t light mayo | 2 oz low salt tuna 6 unsalted crackers 1 cup water 2t mayo | ½ cup mashed potatoes 4 oz steak 2t unsalted margarine ½ cup corn ¼ cup raspberries 2 shortbread cookies 1 small dinner roll 2t light salad dressing (low salt) Salad with ½ cup shredded carrots, 1 cup lettuce and ½ cup red peppers |
Tuesday | ½ cup low fat sugar free yogurt 2 slices of toast 2t low-sugar jelly 2t unsalted margarine 1 cup coffee or tea | 1 medium peach 12 unsalted crackers 1 cup low sodium chicken noodle soup 1 cup sugar free lemonade | 1 cup carrot sticks 3 cups unsalted popcorn 1 cup water | ⅔ cup cooked rice 4 oz salmon 2t unsalted margarine 1 cup green beans ½ cups mixed berries ½ cups sugar free vanilla pudding 1 small dinner rolls |
Wednesday | 1 oz sharp cheddar cheez 1 scrambled egg 2 slices toast ¾ cup berries 1t unsalted margarine | 1 small apple 2 small tacos with 2 oz beef, ¼ cups onion, ¼ cup lettuce and 2t sour cream ¼ cup corn ¼ cup cooked rice 1 cup iced tea | 1 cup sugar free yogurt | 1 cup cooked pasta 4 oz chicken breast 2t unsalted margarine ½ cup sugar free gelatin 1 cup asparagus ½ cup canned peaches 1 small dinner rolls |
Thursday | Huevos rancheros: ¼ cup bell peppers,2 eggs, ¼ cup onions 1 small flour tortilla 1t hot sauce 1 roasted jalapeno chili 1 t non dairy creamer 1 cup coffee | 2 small flour tortillas 2/4 cup green chili 2t no-tomato salsa ½ cup canned pineapple with ¼ cup cottage cheese 1 cup iced tea | 8 corn tortilla chips 2t no-tomato salsa | ⅔ cup Mexican rice 2 chicken enchiladas ½ cup green beans 1 cup diced watermelon 1 cup diet lemonade |
Friday | 1 cup rice cereal 1 English muffin ½ cup nondairy creamer 1 t low sodium margarine 1 cup coffee or tea | 2 oz sliced fresh roasted turkey 2 slices of bread 1 ½ t cranberry relish 1 t light mayo 1 cup raw baby carrots 1 medium apple | ½ cup canned peaches 2t light nondairy whipped topping | 1 cup white rice with scallions 3 oz baked pork tenderloin ¼ cup mushrooms, ¼ cup broccoli, ¼ cup onions 1 small roll 2 small plums 2t unsalted margarine |
Saturday | 1 small blueberry muffin ½ cup nondairy creamer ½ cup cream of wheat prepared with water 2t low sodium margarine | Salad with 1 ½ cups of iceberg lettuce, ½ cup of sliced radishes, 6 slices of cucumber, 2t dried cranberries, 1tcrumbled blue cheese, 1t chopped pecans, 2t honey mustard dressing 2 sandwich cookies ½ cup fruit cocktail 6 melba toast rounds 1 hard boiled egg | 1 small clementine orange | 1 cup rice with no-salt herb mix 4 oz tilapia ½ cup cooked cauliflower with paprika 1 small square cord bread ½ cup sorbet 2t unsalted margarine |
Sunday | 2-ounce bagel 1 ¼ sliced strawberries 2t low fat cream cheese 1 cup coffee or tea | 2 ox chicken salad with 2t chopped celery, 2t shredded carrot, 2t onion 9 unsalted tortilla chips ½ cup blackberries 1cup sugar free fruit punch drink | ¾ oz unsalted pretzels | 1 cup cooked farfalle pasta 3 oz venison 1 small hard roll ¼ cup pesto sauce ½ cup canned pears 2t low sodium margarine |
Conclusion
This article aims to cover the main aspects of low sodium, low potassium diet for kidneys.
This diet is an excellent way to maintain your health and let your kidneys function well. Hope this article helps you get all the information on this diet.
See Also
References
https://nephcure.org/livingwithkidneydisease/
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/