And one average-sized, whole, baked potato (2-1/3"x 4-3/4" or about 1-1/3 cups, if measured) contains 926 milligrams of potassium with the skin or 610 milligrams of potassium without the skin. If you are on a low-potassium diet, this is a considerable amount for one serving.
The Potato is a Food Rich in Potassium
In fact, potatoes rank highest for potassium content among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and the top 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits. One medium potato (5.3 ounces) with the skin contains 620 mg of potassium.
Although sweet potatoes have quite the health halo (and for good reason), their white potato counterparts actually have more potassium per serving. Per the USDA, one medium baked potato has 941 mg of potassium—about 20 percent of your daily value.
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.
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.
And one average-sized, whole, baked potato (2-1/3"x 4-3/4" or about 1-1/3 cups, if measured) contains 926 milligrams of potassium with the skin or 610 milligrams of potassium without the skin. If you are on a low-potassium diet, this is a considerable amount for one serving.
Avoid black-eyed peas, dried beans, cooked greens, spinach, yams, and sweet potato pie. All are high in potassium.
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.
Most meats add some potassium to your meals. Chicken breast has the most per 3-ounce serving with 332 milligrams, but beef and turkey breast contain 315 and 212 milligrams, respectively.
Lower potassium alternatives
Limit to a maximum of 3 x 80g portions per day e.g. apple, blueberries, orange, pear, canned fruit. Vegetables Vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, parsnips, beetroot (fresh), baked beans.
Potassium in cheese is typically low. One exception is when potassium chloride is added to some of the low-sodium cheese options, such as low-sodium cheddar or Colby cheese.
Potatoes are very high in potassium but you can remove part of the potassium by using one of these methods: Double cook method: Peel and dice or cut potatoes.
One large egg contains about 63 mg of potassium. 11 Eggs are considered a low-potassium food but check with your doctor or dietitian to find out how often you should eat them.
Carrots contain a moderate amount of potassium and can healthfully be included in a kidney-friendly diet.
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.
Carbohydrate (Starchy food)
Most breads and cereals are good choices as they are low in potassium.
Summary: How to Include Potatoes in a Renal Diet
When it comes to low potassium potatoes, double boiling is a great way to help reduce the amount of potassium in your food. Double boiling can reduce potassium content in potatoes by approximately 50%.
Broccoli is high in many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
Though fruits and vegetables are among the best food sources of potassium, dairy products can also add the mineral to your diet. A cup of whole milk has more than 350 mg of potassium, while the same amount of nonfat milk contains more than 400 mg. (In general, the lower the fat in the milk, the higher the potassium.)
MYTH #2. MOST COOKING METHODS DESTROY THE NUTRIENTS IN POTATOES. While boiling potatoes does cause a small loss of water-soluble nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B6, the white potato retains most, if not all, of its potassium and dietary fiber regardless of cooking method, such as baking, boiling, or frying.
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.
Over the years, experiments on how to make our potato lower in potassium have led to recommendation for double boiling the potatoes to leach some potassium. This method will remove about 50% of the potassium from your potato.