Potassium

Here are some basic information sheets about Potassium and Chronic kidney disease (CKD).

In the early stages of CKD, current guidelines recommend a diet rich in wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, while being low in salt and processed foods. Please refer to the healthy eating section for more details.

If blood potassium levels become elevated, we typically explore other options to lower them before making dietary changes. Even then, the goal is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet with an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables (Please see the potassium decision tree provided below).

Note that a low potassium diet is only necessary when serum potassium levels remain high and cannot be managed through other means. Diet changes may be needed to optimise medication which prevents CKD and Heart Disease progression. A dietitian can give individual advice to acheive this whilst continuing the preventative benefits of fruits and vegetables.

Potassium Algorithm - decision tree on whether a low potassium diet is indicated.