The more available diet and weight loss information becomes, the weirder it seems to get. A low-potassium diet may sound interesting, but there is no basis for believing that reducing potassium levels in an otherwise healthy person will have any effect on weight loss. Unless you are suffering from hyperkalemia, which is very high levels of potassium and is caused by an inability of older kidneys to process out potassium, you are more likely to benefit from consuming more potassium as you try to lose weight.
Identification
Potassium works with sodium to regulate and balance the water contained in every cell in your body, according to researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center. If your levels of sodium and potassium are out of balance, it can lead to water retention -- the bane of every dieter -- or to dehydration, which can also interfere with weight loss. According to the nutrition experts at Colorado State University Extension, getting enough potassium helps flush out excess sodium. Therefore, if your level of potassium is too low, your sodium levels may become too high, which can also lead to high blood pressure.
Misconceptions
The idea that starving your body of certain foods or nutrients will speed up weight loss might be true in the some cases -- as with a low-carb diet -- but only in the short run, and the risks outweigh any gain. In truth, a healthy and well-balanced diet feeds your body so that it can function properly.
Benefits
Avoiding high-potassium foods that have a high glycemic index, like potatoes, can help you avoid the insulin response that starchy foods provoke, but there is no benefit to cutting out or drastically reducing your intake of all foods that contain potassium. Cod, flounder and salmon contain potassium, and also contain high levels of heart-healthy essential fatty acids. Beans and legumes are a low calorie source of protein and fiber, which are necessary for healthy weight loss.
Warning
Avoiding foods that contain potassium is especially dangerous if you are taking certain medications, such as diuretics, which flush potassium out in your urine. Potassium is necessary to heart health and also to bone health and muscle function, which is important if you are exercising. Low potassium levels can cause muscle cramps, and can lead to more serious problems like weakness, lack of energy and irregular heartbeat.
Conclusion
Restricting the amount of potassium you take in will not help you lose weight faster, and can lead to health problems. A low-sodium diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, beans, legumes and low-fat or nonfat dairy will provide you with enough potassium to keep your body in balance. Eating whole grains instead of processed starches will help you avoid the insulin spikes that have been linked to weight gain.
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