More Special Diets Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Special Diets
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Sarah A. Allen
Expertise
I am a nutritionist with a bachelors degree in dietetics and am currently working on my masters degree. I have four years working experience in clinical and community nutrition. I can answer most of your general questions relating to medical conditions (pregnancy, food allergies, eating disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimers, etc). **Please remember only a medical professional with access to your medical chart can give you personalized medical advice.** I can also answer questions about vegetarianism, weight loss/gain, sports nutrition, and fad diets.
Experience
Work Experience: 4 years in clinical nutrition at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, 1 year community nutrition at Eastern Illinois University
Organizations
American Dietetic Association, Illinois Dietetic Association, Eastern Illinois Dietetic Association
Education/Credentials
B.S. in dietetics from Eastern Illinois University; currently working on my master's degree in the same area, also at Eastern Illinois University.
Awards and Honors
EIU Senior of the Year-Dietetics
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Weight Loss > Special Diets > low potassium diet
Expert: Sarah A. Allen - 10/29/2009
Question
i just found out from my doctor that i need to avoid foods high in potassium. i am a 69 year old diabetic. just got a list of foods high in potassium, low in potassium. no meat was mentioned. am i a vegetarian?
thanks,
marcia
Answer
What a great question, Marcia! Meats often are ignored in potassium lists. Meat is sometimes cited as a good source of potassium; however, meat only makes up 10-20% of the potassium consumed in the average western diet. Potassium also leaches out of food when cooked, so when you are looking at the potassium content of meats they are much higher in potassium in their raw form. Since not too many people consume raw meat, that is good news. The best rule of thumb is to consume meat in moderation, 5-7oz per day should be appropriate if there are no underlying health conditions which require you to further limit your protein intake (such as kidney/renal disease). A good way to measure meat is to think of a deck of cards, which is about the size a 3oz portion of meat is; one large egg is equivalent to an ounce of meat. Meats that are highest in potassium and should be avoided include processed meats which are canned, salted, smoked, pickled, contain soy fillers, are prepared with tenderizer, or are served in sauce. Common examples include (but are not limited to) ham, bacon, bologna, hot dogs, sausages, canned fish, and some casseroles.
Good luck adjusting your diet. Limiting potassium can be a headache but should get easier with time and experience.
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
