I need help with high potassium

[jodaer]

Hi, I'm new here. I was dx with CKD about 4 years ago.at Stage 3A. I's also a T-2 diabetic. Things have gone pretty smooth, test results were in the "OK" range. But recently the protean in my urine has gotten really high so a biopsy is in the works. But, now my potassium is way to high and I've started taking Lokelma for that. But, (I know, too many buts) I need to start watching the potassium in food. I have the fruits and veggies list but what about all the other foods that are not processed foods. How/where do you look for accurate info. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Here is a link to NKF article on high potassium foods. kidney.org/atoz/content/pot...

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Potassium monitoring is tricky. There are some stay away at all cost veggies such as potatoes, tomatoes and winter squash. I love my fruits and vegetables and eat a plant based diet which complicates things. Here is how I work it out. If I eat a high potassium fruit or veggies, I balance my next meal with a lower choice. I love broccoli and that's pretty high. But I leech it in warm water for a couple of hours and then change the water and boil it. Takes some of the potassium out. I looked up the things I eat in abundance and so I know what the potassium is and I stick pretty close to those choices. Radishes, cukes, red, green peppers, and lettuce. My veggies are limited. But I have gotten used to it. Broccoli, yellow squash, mixed vegetables, green beans, cauliflower and onions.

[alport45 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I use the U.S. Dept of Agriculture Food Data Central website. You can search on all sorts of foods but you'll want to go to the tab that says "Legacy" after you've performed your search for a food. That tab has the most detailed info. This is good only for looking up a specific food. I can't see a way to browse for a list of foods high or low in Potassium. Maybe someone else on the forum knows better how to use the site.

[userotc]

Is it possible you're taking medication for your high protein? They can increase potassium.

[Stavrosang]

Yes, that a good point to consider. I just realised the ARB I am taking increases potassium levels. I think it was you that highlighted that in another thread.

Something to discuss with the doctors as I don’t remember seeing a big improvement after taking it. Maybe it’s worth reducing the meds and see if protienurea stays where it is. There does seem to be a lot of consensus that arb and ace have kidney protective qualities and should be used in most cases though. Another tricky situation to be taken on a case by case basis

[jodaer]

Thanks for the info & support. I've found the FDA web site, love it. I am on a BP med and it does raise the potassium. However the protein in my urine is way too high. I will be getting a biopsy soon. My doctor gave me 3 options, one of which was to drop the BP med, but he recommended the 3rd option, which is to stay on the BP med and also go on Lokelma. I'm good with this at least for a while.

[Sophiebun11]

Hi jodaer, Have you asked your physician for a referral to a dietician? It might be helpful. You can work with a dietician to get a very personalized diet and food list based on your lab test and health problems. Best of luck.

🐇

[jodaer]

Thanks, I haven't talked to him yet about this but will at next apt.

[RoxanneKidney]

Unless they come with fiber on them, anything not meat...I wouldn't eat it. Also have your doctor check in SGLT2 inhibitors. With T2D, you are a good canaditate for these drugs and they are being pushed as the "second coming" regarding slowing down the progression. You can find numberous YouTube video and research articles about them.