Objective(s): Despite the nutritional benefits of potato tuber, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should limit the consumption because of its high potassium content.
Certain high-potassium foods, such as potatoes, can be soaked in water to reduce their potassium content for people on the kidney diet. For years, renal dietitians have instructed patients on low-potassium diets to cut up and leach or soak potatoes to reduce the potassium load.
Sweet potatoes also contain vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, that may help balance the levels of sodium in the body and reduce its effect on the kidneys.
Potatoes are very high in potassium. Avoid baked potatoes or potatoes cooked in a microwave because all of the potassium stays inside the potatoes. Avoid scalloped and instant mashed potatoes as well as French fries. Peeling, cutting and soaking potatoes in water overnight leaches out some of the potassium.
One medium baked potato with the skin provides an excellent source of potassium and vitamins C and B6, and is a good source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, folate and fiber.
The Potato is a Food Rich in Potassium
One medium potato (5.3 ounces) with the skin contains 620 mg of potassium. That's 15% of your daily requirement and more than a banana.
Potassium in Potatoes
One medium potato delivers 610 mg of potassium, or roughly 17% of the daily value (DV). That's about 40% more potassium than you'll find in a banana, which only contains 422 mg, or 9% DV.
Calorie for calorie, the white potato delivers more potassium than bananas. Even without its skin, the flesh of the white potato is a potassium powerhouse. Just one cup (122 g) of baked potato without the skin provides 477 mg potassium.
Potatoes
Baked potatoes with the skin still on are the best option, as much of a potato's potassium is in the skin. One medium baked potato with skin contains 941 mg of potassium.
Most people with CKD can safely eat one medium (80g) tomato daily (as a one of your 5 a day), perhaps served with a cooked breakfast, lunch or salad.
Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup. Only eat reduced-sodium soups that don't have potassium chloride as an ingredient (check the food label.) Also, only eat 1 cup, not the whole can.
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
People withe chronic kidney disease or on dialysis who require a low potassium diet can still eat potatoes by using a technique to reduce potassium. Although potassium is not totally removed, it is lowered enough to safely include a small portion and keep your diet kidney-friendly.
Cauliflower is a very versatile vegetable and has been known to work well for a lower carbohydrate, low potassium potato substitute. A 1/2 cup of boiled cauliflower has just 88 milligrams of potassium, but still gives you another gram of fiber.
There are two cooking methods you can use to significantly reduce the potassium content in your potatoes. The first method is often referred to as “double boiling”. The second method involves cutting the potatoes into smaller pieces and cooking in a much larger volume of water.
One small serving of fast food french fries provides about 12 percent of the daily value for potassium, or slightly more than the amount in a serving of half a small baked potato with skin.
Potassium There is 372 mg potassium in a white potato versus 219 mg in a sweet potato, making both minor sources of this nutrient. Vitamin C Both a white and a sweet potato have 12.1 mg of vitamin C, making both a good source of this nutrient.
Butter, margarine and oils are the only foods that are potassium-free.
A medium potato has significantly more potassium than a medium banana (420 mgs.), often touted for its potassium content, and much more per serving than other produce items, including broccoli at 460 mgs.
Tomatoes are high in potassium, but pasta is served with many sauces that are not tomato-based. If you must select a dish with tomato sauce, ask that it be served on the side. Be cautious – Soul food is often high in potassium. Avoid black-eyed peas, dried beans, cooked greens, spinach, yams, and sweet potato pie.
Water pills (diuretics) help rid your body of extra potassium. They work by making your kidney create more urine. Potassium is normally removed through urine. Potassium binders often come in the form of a powder.
Carrots contain a moderate amount of potassium and can healthfully be included in a kidney-friendly diet.