Potassium-sparing diuretics and food intake

Question
Hello--

Do you have any specific information on how much potassium  someone can have if taking a potassium-sparing diuretic for hypertension? (It keeps potassium from leaching out of your system as with other diuretics.)

I've read that the optimal intake for regular folks is 4.7 grams a day but if you are on this medication you should have "less." There are cautions to "limit" high potassium foods such as bananas and orange juice. But I haven't been able to find a definite guideline. I told my dr. I was following the DASH diet for hypertension, but I'm not sure he knows how high potassium it is. I specifically asked if I needed to make any dietary changes and he said no--but then I read all the warnings about side effects from too much potassium intake with this drug.

I'm getting really frustrated trying to juggle calories, sodium, the correct servings in each food group, and now wondering if I'm getting too much potassium or not enough!

Thanks for any info you have.

Answer
Hello Ellie!

   Thank you for your nutrition question.  Since you are on the DASH diet and trying to follow a healthier lifestyle, why not try a supplement called Juice Plus which can give your body the correct amount of potassium without you having to do any counting.  The website to purchase it is http://www.juiceblend.com   Many of my patients who are trying to lead healthier lifestyles have had great success using Juice Plus.  Why not give it a try for 4 months and see the results?  

-George Rapitis, Nutritionist

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