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Low-Potassium Diet

Meaning

A low-potassium diet is a specialized nutritional regimen that restricts the intake of foods high in the essential mineral potassium, typically to less than 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day, depending on the patient’s clinical status. This diet is clinically mandated for individuals with compromised kidney function, as their kidneys cannot adequately excrete excess potassium, leading to the dangerous condition of hyperkalemia. Strict adherence to this diet is a critical component of managing chronic kidney disease and preventing potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias.