What to know about protecting kidney health

Potassium plays an important role in kidney health by helping maintain fluid balance and stable blood pressure. Yet many people do not get enough potassium through their diets.

The mineral works with sodium to regulate the volume of fluid inside the body’s cells. It also forms part of the DASH eating pattern, which helps prevent high blood pressure. Adequate potassium can help people with hypertension maintain healthier pressure levels by relaxing blood vessels and increasing sodium excretion through urine.

High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels and filtering units, known as nephrons, in the kidneys. A potassium-rich diet may also help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Because many stones form from calcium, potassium can limit the amount of calcium released in urine and increase urinary citrate, a compound that helps prevent calcium from binding with other minerals.

Potassium may further reduce the effects of a high-sodium diet. Fast food, packaged snacks and processed meats often contain high levels of salt, which can harm the heart and kidneys over time. Increasing potassium intake can promote the removal of excess sodium in urine, reduce some inflammation markers and limit harmful effects on blood vessel function.

Foods that provide potassium include fruits such as bananas, pomegranates and avocados. Other sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, beans, dairy products and meat.