Nutrition and Early Kidney Disease - Litholink

of vitamin D as well to help keep calciumand phosphorus levels in balance and toprevent bone disease. Do not take overthe-countervitamin D or calcium supplementsunless recommended by yourkidney doctor.PotassiumPotassium is another important mineralfound in most foods. Potassium helps yourmuscles and heart work properly. Largeamounts of potassium are found in:n certain fruits and vegetables (likebananas, melons, oranges, potatoes,tomatoes, dried fruits, nuts, avocados,deep colored and leafy green vegetablesand some juices)n milk and yogurtn dried beans and peasn most salt substitutesn protein-rich foods such as meat,poultry, pork and fishToo much or too little potassium in the bloodcan be dangerous. Not everyone needs thesame amount of potassium. Some peoplewith kidney disease need more; othersneed less. How much you need dependson how well your kidneys are working. Italso depends on whether or not you aretaking any medicine that changes the levelof potassium in your blood.14National Kidney Foundation