Potassium and sodium are two minerals found naturally in the body that are needed to maintain a number of body functions. If you have excess amounts of potassium in the body, you should avoid high-potassium foods. Because frozen foods tend to be very high in potassium, knowing how to avoid them --- and reduce potassium levels whenever possible can help you to reduce potassium in your diet.
Significance
Potassium levels tend to be slightly higher in frozen foods because potassium is used as a preservative, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. Because frozen foods are need to retain their flavor, the potassium is added. Potassium is used as a salt substitute, meaning low-sodium frozen foods may use potassium instead of salt.
Normal Levels
Normal potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter of blood serum, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, if you have hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium, you can experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, pain and muscle weakness. If you experience hyperkalemia, your physician may recommend consuming a low-potassium diet. The potassium intake for this diet typically ranges from 1,500 to 2,700 mg of potassium per day, according to Up to Date website.
Types
Different types of potassium can be added to frozen foods in order to preserve them, according to David A. Katz, a chemist writing on Chymist.com. Examples include potassium nitrate and potassium nitrite, which are added to cured meats to help them retain color. Potassium sorbate is another preservative added to fresh and frozen foods to inhibit yeast and mold. Potassium chloride also is a common salt substitute added to many foods.
Foods to Avoid
As part of a low-potassium diet, you should avoid commercially prepared frozen dinners due to their high potassium content, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Examples of frozen foods include Chinese food, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, potpies, stews, breaded fish and meats and fish sticks. Be sure to carefully read the potassium content of frozen or "TV" dinners because they can contain high amounts of potassium as well.
Reducing Potassium in Frozen Foods
If you are trying to lower your potassium intake, yet still wish to enjoy frozen foods, you can use a method known as leaching to reduce potassium levels. Leaching uses potassium's natural attraction to water in order to draw potassium away from the frozen food. To begin, rinse the frozen food in warm water and then soak for two hours to all night in warm water, according to Up to Date. Changing out the water used for soaking every four hours can help to further remove potassium. Drain the vegetables and then rinse again with warm water, cooking as desired.
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