3 of 11 · 4 min
Potassium without the panic
You do not have to quit fruit. You have to watch the heavy hitters.
What it does
Potassium helps your heart and muscles fire. When kidneys are tired it can build up, and that is hard on the heart. That is why the sheet flags bananas, potatoes, oranges, and tomatoes.
You are not banned from produce
Apples, berries, grapes, pineapple, cabbage, green beans, cucumbers, and lettuce are usually friendlier. A small portion of a “limit” food is not the same as a skip. The light system is there so you do not live on crackers.
The potato trick
If you miss potatoes: peel them, cut them small, boil in a big pot of water, drain, and boil again. That drops a lot of the potassium. Then mash with a little olive oil and pepper — not a stick of butter and cheese.
Juice is a trap
A glass of orange juice is several oranges with no chewing to slow you down. Eat the fruit, or skip the juice. Unsweet tea and water still win in this heat.
Try this
- Swap the banana on the counter for berries or an apple this week.
- If you want a potato, double-boil it. Do not eat the skin.