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Potassium and Kidney Disease

Potassium helps muscles and the heart work properly. When the kidneys are not filtering well, potassium can build up and become dangerous.

Why potassium matters in CKD

Healthy kidneys help keep potassium in a safe range. In CKD, that balance can get harder to maintain, especially with certain medications or advanced kidney dysfunction.

High potassium can be serious because it can affect the electrical rhythm of the heart.

How doctors think about potassium levels

  • Normal potassium is usually in a narrow range on your blood test.
  • A mildly high result may lead to closer monitoring and diet review.
  • A more severe high result can affect the heart and become urgent.

Common high-potassium foods to watch

Bananas

Potatoes

Tomato products

Orange juice

Dried fruit

Salt substitutes with potassium

Not every kidney patient needs a low-potassium diet. The right advice depends on your labs and medications.

Potassium decisions should be based on your labs

Food changes, medication review, and repeat lab testing usually work best when they are tied to your actual potassium trend.

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