Individuals who are in Kidney Failure have to make alternations in their
daily meals to prevent health problems. Foods that supply high levels of
potassium should be limited or eliminated from the daily diet. The best foods
typically have lower levels of potassium in order to protect the kidneys.
Kidney Failure
The kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products and excess
water. They can also measure chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus and potassium,
releasing them back into the blood to return to the body. This intricate balance
is vital to life. The kidneys also release important hormones such as
erythropoietin, renin, etc.
Renal Failure is the inability of the kidneys to remove all of the wastes
from the blood. Having a renal diet can help reduce the amount of waste made by
the body, thereby improving renal function.
Potassium
It is a mineral that controls the function of nerve and muscle. Most
important, it affects how steadily the heart beats. It can also help maintain
the balance of fluid and electrolyte. Normally, kidneys promote a healthy blood
potassium level. In Kidney Failure, the level can rise to a dangerous level as
the failed kidneys cannot regulate it. Patients have risk to have an irregular
heartbeat or heart attack. Therefore, they should avoid high potassium foods as
below.
Fruits: bananas, oranges, melons, papayas, kiwis, prunes, mango, and
cantaloupe.
Vegetables: tomatoes or tomato-based sauces and soups, white potatoes of any
kind of form, sweet potatoes, spinach, and avocados.
Others: milk, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, chocolate, dried peas and beans,
turkey and salmon.
Lower-potassium options include apples and apple juice, cranberry juice,
pineapples, cauliflower and broccoli.