All types of chocolate contain some amounts of potassium. The different types will have different amounts of potassium. Comparing 1 ounce servings of each white, milk, and dark chocolate, dark chocolate has the highest amount of potassium. One ounce of dark chocolate has approximately 158 milligrams of potassium.
Low-quality chocolate containing high levels of milk, sodium, sugar, and preservatives is far from a healthy option. On the other hand, high-quality dark chocolate containing a high percentage of cocoa (above 85%) offers health benefits if you have kidney disease.
According to the USDA Nutrient Database, one ounce of dark chocolate made with 70-85% cocoa contains 87 mg of phosphorus, 203 mg of potassium and 170 calories. Moderation is the key to keeping lab values normal.
– Avoid desserts with chocolate, cream cheese, ice cream or nuts – they are high in potassium and phosphorus.
Through this process, potassium contributes to maintaining normal blood pressure and muscle contraction1. Certain foods, such as dark chocolate, are packed with this mineral and increase your potassium level.
Gives you a boost of nutrients. Quality dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients like fiber, potassium, calcium, copper and magnesium. A friendly reminder: dark chocolate is a high-calorie food, mostly from fats, so be mindful of how much you eat and check the label to make sure the first ingredient is not sugar.
in potassium can also cause high potassium, especially in people with advanced kidney disease . Foods such as melons, orange juice, and bananas are high in potassium . your kidneys from removing enough potassium . This can cause your potassium levels to rise .
What are the side effects of eating dark chocolate? The dark chocolate side effects may be associated with caffeine. It may cause sleeplessness, nervousness, increased urination, fast heartbeat, skin allergies, migraine and headache, nausea, and stomach problems like gas and constipation.
Potassium is widely available in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens, beans, nuts, dairy foods, and starchy vegetables like winter squash are rich sources.
What is the daily recommended amount of dark chocolate? The recommended “dose” is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g, experts say. Indulge in anything more than that, and you may be consuming too many calories. A 1.45-ounce (41 gram) Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 190 calories.
Chocolate, or the compounds within it, does not have any known negative effect on kidney function. However, if you already have kidney disease you may have to limit your intake of chocolate due to the high content of potassium or other minerals.
If hyperkalemia comes on suddenly and you have very high levels of potassium, you may feel heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or vomiting. Sudden or severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition. It requires immediate medical care.
A bite of dark chocolate a day could not only be good for your heart, but may also improve brain function, alleviate stress, and lower the risk of diabetes.
While dark chocolate can have positive effects on your health, a 2022 study by Consumer Reports found that eating dark chocolate everyday could be harmful for adults, children and pregnant people.
Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions, constipation and might trigger migraine headaches.
The most common low-potassium juices include apple, grapefruit, cranberry and grape. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, grape juice and grapefruit juice contain no potassium. Apple juice contains 210 milligrams of potassium per cup and a cup of organic cranberry juice contains 199 milligrams.
Excessive water consumption may lead to depletion of potassium, which is an essential nutrient. This may cause symptoms like leg pain, irritation, chest pain, et al.
One large egg contains about 63 mg of potassium. 1 Eggs are considered a low-potassium food, but check with your doctor or dietitian to find out how often you should eat them.
A ½ cup serving of blueberries has less than 150 milligrams potassium making them a low potassium fruit choice. Blueberries are also low in sodium and phosphorus making them suitable for a kidney friendly diet.
Carbohydrate (Starchy food)
Most breads and cereals are good choices as they are low in potassium.