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Suggest Diet To Keep Serum Potassium Level Under Control

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Posted on Wed, 14 May 2014
Question: What & how in my diet can I do to keep my serum potassium and ph are normal????
Is it on my lab report??
doctor
Answered by Meenakshi Attrey (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
Request For Reports

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your query seems incomplete to me. I am not sure what you are looking to control with diet - is it serum potassium? Further I do not see reports attached. Can you upload the reports again using the site's uploader provided on this page. Alternatively you can email it to my attention to YYYY@YYYY

Waiting for your reply.

Meenakshi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Meenakshi Attrey (23 minutes later)
I'm at 15% kidney function....how likely am I to need dialysis,,,,in 6 mths or a year???

"In Nov. 2013, I was 17% now 15%"There is no specific percentage of kidney function at which you have to start dialysis.

It depends on your general condition. Suppose your function is 10% but your appetite is good., serum potassium and ph are normal ,

there is no water accumulation . In such condition you may not need dialysis. But if any of these problems arise then you have to start dialysis."
How in my diet can I assure myself of keeping my serum potassium and ph are normal ?????
doctor
Answered by Meenakshi Attrey (4 days later)
Brief Answer:
Low raw veg. intake and leaching recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Greetings from Healthcaremagic.

The decision regarding the Dialysis depends on multiple factors and your doctor is in the best place to take a decision about starting it. Generally the need to dialysis arises as GFR values fall below 20%. However if you have no volume overload state (pedal edema / breathing difficulty) and potassium level is under 5mmol/dl, dialysis can be deferred. Hence it is important that you manage to keep potassium low.

But with the reduced kidney function, the potassium levels tends to rise in the blood and this might lead to potassium toxicity. To avoid this you are required to take Low Potassium Diet. Since most of the foods contain Potassium, therefore it is important to take the ones that provide the minimum of this mineral.
Foods that are specifically high in potassium includes coconut, coconut water, potato, pumpkin, yam, zucchini, green leafy vegetables, chocolates, peanuts, cantaloupe, tomato, nuts, beans, baked beans etc. also, all kinds if preserved and over processed foods have higher levels of potassium. Also avoid fruit juices of all types, soups, lemon and lemon juice, carbonated drinks should also be avoided.

Since most of the foods are rich in potassium, therefore it is recommended that you start leaching your fruits and vegetables before cooking /consuming them. Leaching would help you in reducing the total potassium intake by allowing this mineral to be washed from the food before cooking. Here is how you can leach your vegetables:

•     Peel and cut the vegetable into thin slices.
•     Rinse under running warm water and the soak them in plain unsalted water for 3 - 4 hours.
•     Drain the water and rinse the vegetable again in warm water.
•     Cut and cook, add less salt unless otherwise advised, by your doctor.

Talk to your doctor regarding the total fluid intake and maintain the timings of your meals.

Kindly share your latest Kidney Function Test reports so that I can provide more personalized and detailed information to you.

Thanks,
Meenakshi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Meenakshi Attrey (6 hours later)
Plz explain more of any complications arising from getting a fistula on arm & tummy for future dialysis ( iyr. later)?
doctor
Answered by Meenakshi Attrey (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Infection, blocks and failure...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The only complications that I am aware of are infection, narrowing / blocks and failure. I would suggest you to discuss about more complications with surgeons. They are more experienced in this field and will be able to guide you better.

If you have no more question about dietary aspects, I request you to close this discussion.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Meenakshi Attrey (8 hours later)
I'm trying to avoid/ delay dialysis for 1 yr. or more.
what is the very best diet to help me do that
I have kidney cysts & protein loss now.
I hope to send you my last lab report as soon as I receive a copy
doctor
Answered by Meenakshi Attrey (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The diet depends on the kidney functions

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is true that a proper diet and lifestyle adjustments can help in delaying the dialysis. But the diet in Impaired renal function / Renal failure greatly depend upon the laboratory reports, as there is a requirement to match and balance the nutrient intake , especially minerals and protein. The most important mineral to be restricted in the diet is potassium ( kindly refer to previous reply for details on low potassium diet), others being sodium and phosphorous. Also, the protein intake is to be monitored, in relation with the BUN, Serum Creatinine and uric acid levels.

The best diet can be suggested only when the exact levels of these nutrients and their metabolic by products, is established in the blood.

I will wait for your Kidney Function Test Reports and details of the renal cyst, before writing the best diet to help you.

Thanks
Meenakshi


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Meenakshi
Meenakshi Attrey

Dietitian & Nutritionist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 228 Questions

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Suggest Diet To Keep Serum Potassium Level Under Control

Brief Answer: Request For Reports Detailed Answer: Hi, Your query seems incomplete to me. I am not sure what you are looking to control with diet - is it serum potassium? Further I do not see reports attached. Can you upload the reports again using the site's uploader provided on this page. Alternatively you can email it to my attention to YYYY@YYYY Waiting for your reply. Meenakshi