It is essential to manage potassium levels while suffering from diabetes. The foods which comprise the low potassium diet, help manage both potassium levels and diabetes, without compromising on the nutritional intake of an individual…
Individuals who are suffering from diabetes may also be susceptible to kidney problems. Both these disorders can affect the proper functioning of the body. Diabetes can occur due to an increase in the blood glucose, which alters the potassium levels in the body. It can, in turn, affect the function of the kidneys, that may lead to organ damage, Kidney failure can be life-threatening and fatal in some cases. To avoid this, you need to follow a low potassium diabetic diet, specially designed for this condition. The foods in this special diet should be low in potassium and sodium, such that the blood sugar is kept under control and the body is kept in good health.
Low Potassium Diet for Diabetics
According to a research, there is a relationship between potassium levels and diabetes. Both hyperkalemia (high potassium) and diabetes can cause some unwanted complications in the body. One must follow a low potassium diet for kidney disease as well as for diabetes. Make sure that these low potassium foods for diabetes and kidney disorders are rich in proteins to supplement energy. Choose fruits, vegetables and other foods that provide the necessary nutrients to the body, without increasing glucose levels in the blood. Include healthy portions of natural, cooked foods rather than gorging on processed foods.
Here is a list of foods that can be included in the daily low potassium diet for diabetes and kidney disorders. The recommended portion for each of the food item is approximately 100 g per day.
The protein intake should also be about 65 to 75 g each day.
- Alfalfa sprouts (1 cup)
- Apple (1 medium)
- Asparagus (100 g)
- Apricots (2 small or 1 medium)
- Blackberries (6 to 7)
- Beans, cooked (1 cup)
- Blueberries (8 to 10)
- Bread, brown, (2 to 3 slices)
- Cabbage, steamed, (75 g)
- Carrots, cooked (1 cup)
- Cauliflower (50 g)
- Celery (1 stalk)
- Corn, fresh (½ ear)
- Cucumber (whole)
- Cherries (1 small bowl)
- Cranberries (Half cup)
- Fruit Cocktail (1 glass)
- Grapes, either black or green (1 cup)
- Grape juice (Half glass)
- Grapefruit (Half or whole)
- Eggplant, baked (60 g)
- Kale (1 cup)
- Lettuce (2 stalks)
- Mushrooms (80 g)
- Noodles (1 cup)
- Okra, cooked (1 cup)
- Green onions (50 g)
- Parsley (50 g)
- Pasta (1 cup)
- Peas, green, boiled (100 g)
- Rice (2 cups)
- Mandarin Oranges (1 fruit)
- Peaches, fresh (1 small)
- Pears, fresh (1 small)
- Pineapple (2 slices)
- Pineapple Juice (1 glass)
- Plums (1 whole)
- Raspberries or strawberries (1 cup)
- Tangerine (1 whole)
- Watermelon (limit to 1 cup)
- Water cress (50 g)
- Yellow Squash (½ cup)
- Zucchini Squash (½ cup)
Foods to Avoid
Certain food restrictions need to be followed in case you are suffering from both diabetes and kidney problems. Avoiding the intake of certain foods in the diet, while suffering from diabetes, will help reduce the intensity of this disorder.
Here are certain foods that must be completely avoided, if you are suffering from kidney problems or diabetes, from your daily diet, if you want to prevent the disorders from becoming severe.
- Acorn squash
- Bananas
- Canned and processed foods
- Canned vegetables
- Dried fruits
- Potatoes
- Seasoned salt
- Sweetened canned fruits
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeinated drinks
Diet Plan
A diet plan, regarding foods to be included for breakfast, lunch and dinner, should be followed in order to manage diabetes. You can get in touch with your physician, who will help you chalk out the recommended diet.
For Breakfast
- One bowl ready-to-eat cereal with low fat milk
- Scrambled eggs or egg white omelet
- Whole wheat bread toast with margarine
- 1 bowl nonfat sugar-free yogurt
- One apple or orange
For Lunch
- Turkey sandwich, made with whole wheat bread, lettuce, tomato and 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup unsweetened, canned pears
- 6 unsalted crackers
- 1 cup garden salad with cucumbers, carrots, lettuce or mixed greens and 1 tablespoon salad dressing
- Medium-sized peach
- 1 cup nonfat milk
For Dinner
- Broiled salmon or grilled lean beef (beef tenderloin) with 1 cup brown rice
- Mashed potato (leached) with 1 teaspoon margarine (Leaching potatoes reduces their potassium content to a considerable extent.)
- 1/2 cup sauteed green beans
- 1 cup peas and mixed greens with 1 tablespoon salad dressing
It is essential to manage both blood glucose and potassium levels in the body to ensure good health. Consulting a health care provider or a dietitian regarding the consumption of food in case one is suffering from diabetes and kidney problems is always advisable. Stay healthy!
