Potassium Restriction

Potassium requirements for children with renal failure:

Potassium is very important to the body, but too much potassium in the blood can be harmful. When your child's kidneys do not work well, too much potassium can build up in the blood. Your child's body receives potassium from the foods he/she eats. If your child is having trouble maintaining a normal potassium level, then it may be necessary for him/her to limit or avoid foods with high amounts of potassium.

What foods are high in potassium?

Most foods contain some amount of potassium. It is important to avoid or limit foods that are high in potassium if your child is on a low-potassium diet, or if your child's blood level of potassium is too high.

Some foods that are high in potassium include the following:

• bananas
• prunes
• oranges
• potatoes
• orange juice
• sweet potatoes
• grapefruit juice
• tomato sauce
• cantaloupe

Use the following list as a guide in your child's food choices. Your child's physician or dietitian will let you know how much potassium your child can have each day.

Potassium content of foods:

Most fruits, juices, and vegetables are high in potassium, especially when eaten raw. Use this list as a guide to your child's food choices. Be sure to monitor your child's portion sizes, especially if he/she is on a low-potassium diet.

(Portion sizes - 1/2 cup)

Some potassium can be removed from potatoes and other vegetables by following the instructions below:

1. Peel and dice the vegetable.
   
2. Soak the vegetable in hot water for two hours, or in cold water overnight.
   
3. Drain, rinse, and drain the vegetable.
   
4. Cover the vegetable with fresh water, boil for five minutes, and simmer until done.
   
5. Drain and serve (boiled, fried, or mashed) or freeze for later.

Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.