stable potassium level

[CuriousCKD]

I am stage 4 ckd. My lab work ndicates that my potassium levels are within normal range. Are small amounts of avocado, potatoes and tomatoes OK to eat, if I stay within the daily range of 1,000-1,500 mg allowed? So difficult to give up.

[jodaer]

I'm not CKD 4 yet but I struggle with the same foods. In my case, and my opinion only, I eat what I want and try to stay within the guidelines my doctor and I have agreed on. She said as long as my potassium levels are OK, no need to not eat them. I do think that a person can get into trouble in overindulging. I'll also say I'm 80 and not looking at staying alive for many more years.

[CuriousCKD in reply to jodaer]

I’m kind of in the same frame of mind. I agree about the overindulging. I feel that If I stay within the recommended levels per day, I can have the foods that are higher in potassium once in a while. I’m 76, but also have heart disease and non-alcoholic liver fibrosis. I’m taking it day-by-day. Thank you for your input.

[bestmom24 in reply to jodaer]

I am 70, Stage 4 and my bloodword is really good. With that being said, my calcimum and potassium is on the low side. My dietician stated that I need to consume more protein and I can have a banana or melon or other high potassium foods periodically, just not before a blood draw.

[jodaer in reply to bestmom24]

It seems to me that we mostly concentrate on high potassium but having it to low is just as bad, if not more so. My dad died because of low potassium levels.

[bestmom24 in reply to jodaer]

This is true. They tell you all the time about your high numbers and then you try to be really good with diet and the bottom falls out and you are in worse shape then before.

[CuriousCKD in reply to jodaer]

My mother had to take potassium pills.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Here's the thing with potassium. One day its fine, the next its up. Especially at stage 4. So take your chances, once in a while might be ok. Make sure none of your medications are potassium increasing meds such as BP meds ending in "sartan".

[CuriousCKD in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks for the FYI. 👍🏼

[GeeMoney in reply to Bassetmommer]

Oh boy, the ups and downs with Potassium are so true. Hard to get a real handle on it so that's why I just choose to stay away from tomatoes and avocado's and bananas for the most part.

[CuriousCKD in reply to GeeMoney]

Me too, although once in awhile, I buy a small avocado, and try to make it last for 3 days. I just love a bit smeared on a slice of toast…. 🤤 I have given up bananas, but have a little cherry tomato or 3 oz baked potato occasionally. My potassium level has only gone up a smidge over normal a couple of times, so I am trying to watch it carefully.

[RhenDutchess123]

If I am craving something high in Potassium I eat it...then I am mindful the next day to eat items low in Potassium..it balances out for me

[CuriousCKD in reply to RhenDutchess123]

👍🏼

[bestmom24 in reply to RhenDutchess123]

You go girl!

[Hidden]

I am also stage 4 and my potassium level has been over 5 for the past 3 years. I reached 5.8 one time and my Neph said I should back off of some of the things I was eating. I don't go crazy but I do have some of the foods you mentioned.

[CuriousCKD in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[KajNybom]

I am a 3a and with high potassium so I was told NO avacados and no tomatoes. Some times I feel like I am starving by trying to stay on a plant based diet. I also have an issue with portion control since I am so hungry by the time I eat. I am thinking of giving up food altogether!

[MinnadeParis in reply to KajNybom]

Kaj I share your feelings about food. I am usually hungry. I’ve managed to get the breakfast thing ok but lunch mid day meals…….I’m lost. So I normally don’t eat until dinner. I’ve developed a terrible anxiety around food. I’ve had IBS for many years, so I had developed a definite eating plan. Now with CKD food terrifies me. My potassium and phosphate levels are normal am not diabetic. It’s just hard and disheartening.

[bestmom24 in reply to MinnadeParis]

YOLO! I am so tired of hearing all the things I am no longer permitted to do. I am 70 and I am not so sure that I awill ever see a kidney. I am going to eat whatever I want within reason.

[MinnadeParis in reply to bestmom24]

👍

[CuriousCKD in reply to MinnadeParis]

I hear you, and I have total empathy for you. It seems like my whole life exists around what I can and cannot eat. I started questioning everything, wondering if what I put in my mouth is going to hurt me. Then, I begin to stress over my next lab work. It is a mind game, but I am slowly coming to terms with my situation, and just trying to stay within recommended food groups. Giving up my favorite foods is like losing your best friend. Sad, but true. 🤔🤗

[MinnadeParis in reply to CuriousCKD]

Thanks for sharing. I love a good avocado toast with smoked salmon and dill…..gone. Or just a good plain avocado. Or guacamole…..no longer. Maybe a teaspoon and guilt. I was never a junk food eater but maintained what I thought was a healthy diet 80% of the time. This has not only affected my food choices, but my social interactions, my daily life. I have labs in 2+ wks and am terrified. I’ll post results. Sorry to sound so grim, but it’s MY reality

[CuriousCKD in reply to MinnadeParis]

I get it totally. It’s a very isolating feeling. I spend a lot of time talking and praying to God. It helps me. I always feel better mentally. I hope your lab results are better than you’re expecting. I’m trying to teach myself to take it one day at a time and not project the worst, but it’s not always easy. We just have to continue to do the best we can to manage the situation. Blessings!

[MinnadeParis in reply to CuriousCKD]

🙏

[CuriousCKD in reply to KajNybom]

I have definitely felt like you re: giving up food. I have actually gone through a period of grieving at the realization that I can no longer eat whatever I feel like. Being an emotional eater, each meal depended on what I “felt” like having. I am finally coming to terms with my situation after 2 or 3 years, and am trying to eat balanced meals, and following the guidelines that will keep me stable. I allow myself a little leeway once in a great while, if we go out out, but I don’t clean my plate. If I splurge and have steak, I order the smallest, (6 oz) and eat half, taking home the rest for another day. If I order a baked potato, I try to skip all the toppings, and request a small amount of butter on the side and eat half. I skip fattening dressing on salad, and ask for oil and vinegar. If I eat fruit that is ckd friendly, it seems to take away the desire for sugar. It has been a struggle, but I am not ready to leave my husband and the planet just yet. Hang in there. I hope it gets better for you soon.

[Hidden in reply to CuriousCKD]

It does kinda feel that way that you have to "give up" certain foods. But not completely. It's been a while since I was on hemo and had a dietician telling me the amounts of each thing I was allowed (ie 1200 mg potassium daily). I used to shop for foods looking at the nutrition data. Now I have a list of high potassium foods on my fridge. Some I stay away from completely like orange juice which I loved. And I used to eat 2 bowls of ice cream every night but cut way down on that. I'll have a slice of tomato on a sandwich or a few pieces in a salad. I don't eat bananas anymore. I'll have a little candy that is chocolate coated and not solid chocolate bars. My body operates fine with a higher potassium level, I just need to watch and not go crazy into the danger zone.

[CuriousCKD in reply to Hidden]

I haven’t had OJ forever, because of potassium. Diamond brand puts out these chocolate dusted almonds, which I have in small amounts once in awhile. They are not covered in hard chocolate candy, just kind of powdery. They’re pretty good. I like the idea of posting a list on the fridge. Keeps you aware.

[KajNybom]

Thank you. I am just leaving the resentful stage and moving into a more intelligent approach. I actually did get into Oatmeal for breakfast which I avoided for 73 years. Thank you for your comments. At least I know I am not the only one....I am not ready to leave the planet yet either so I'll figure this out with all your help.

[CuriousCKD]

I love oatmeal, but I have read where it is another food that can have higher amounts of potassium and phosphorus, so one needs to take a cautious approach when consuming it, depending on what stage ckd you’re in and what lab levels indicate. I eat mine plain, or with blueberries. No milk, but with a little honey or agave.

[RhenDutchess123]

Before I was on Dalysis and binders, I would take a tums before a bad indulgence....I know we put off Dialysis as long as we can, but being on Dialysis is so much easier and other than salt I can eat just about anything I want...so nice not to feel weak from hunger

[CuriousCKD in reply to RhenDutchess123]

If and when the time comes, I don’t know if I will do dialysis. I have heart and liver issues as well, so I don’t know if I will feel well enough to care. At this point, I would rather go from heart failure. It’s nice to hear that you are benefiting from it. I certainly wish the very best for you.