A low calcium and low potassium diet is associated with high blood pressure, however, individuals diagnosed with medical conditions such as hypercalciuria or chronic kidney disease need to restrict calcium and potassium in their diets. Individuals on a low potassium diet should aim between 2,000 to 3,000 mg, or 2 to 3 g daily, and individuals on a low calcium diet should obtain 400 mg of calcium a day, according to Greenwich Hospital and Dr. James R. Bollinger.
Low Potassium Foods
Potassium helps with muscle and heart function and to maintain fluid balance. It is mostly found in fruits and vegetables, but is also available in nuts, dairy, seeds, legumes and some grain products. Examples of low potassium foods less than 250 mg in a serving are apples, blueberries, refined grains such as white pasta, eggplant, cooked cabbage, tuna, turkey, eggs, almonds, cheddar cheese and tea.
Low Potassium Diet Food Preparation
To reduce potassium, drain water from canned vegetables and cook in fresh water. Prepare fresh vegetables by rinsing and cutting into thin slices and cooking in a large amount of water -- 5 parts water to 1 part vegetables. Avoid foods with the highest amount of potassium -- apricots, beans, avocados and whole grains, and do not use potassium chloride salt substitutes.
Sample Low Potassium Menu
This sample one-day menu from Greenwich Hospital has 2,380 mg of potassium. For breakfast eat 1/2 English muffin, 1 tsp. butter, 2 tsp. grape jelly, one scrambled egg, 1/2 cup of farina, 4 oz. of low-fat milk and 4 oz. of cranberry juice. For lunch consume 3 oz. grilled chicken breast, 1/2 cup of egg noodles, 1/2 cup green beans, 1 tsp. butter, one small apple and 6 oz. tea. And for dinner eat 1-1/2 cups of lettuce salad with 1 tbsp. oil-and-vinegar dressing, 3 oz. hamburger with one small bun, 1/3 cup white rice, 1/2 cup wax beans, 1 tsp. butter, 1/2 cup canned pears and 6 oz. tea.
Low Calcium Foods
A low calcium diet may be prescribed for individuals with excessive calcium in blood, or hypercalcemia, or excessive urinary calcium excretion, or hypercalciuria, according to Dr. James R. Bollinger. Calcium is needed for growth, blood clotting and muscle contraction. Eat white potatoes, macaroni, refined rice, broth-based soups, honey, hard candies and vegetables that are not good sources of calcium.
Sample Low Calcium Menu
Avoid foods high in calcium such as dairy products, fish with soft bones such as salmon and green leafy vegetables such as collards and broccoli. For breakfast consume 1/2 cup of fruit or juice, 1/2 cup of cereal, one egg, two grains, 2 tsp. of margarine, 1 tbsp. of jelly and 1/2 cup of milk. For lunch eat 1/2 cup to 1 cup of broth soup or salad, 3 oz. of meat, 1/2 cup of starch, one dessert or fruit, two grains and 2 tsp. margarine. Eat a similar meal plan for dinner as lunch, but add 1/2 cup of vegetables. Coffee or tea with 2 tsp. of sugar and can be added to any of the meals.
Member Comments