Low Potassium Diet List: Foods to Eat and Avoid

A low-potassium diet includes removing high-potassium foods such as seafood, red meat, and crops of potatoes. Most people in the United States consume too little potassium. However, if you consume too much potassium, you can suffer from hyperkalemia (high potassium level in the bloodstream). In such cases, your doctor will most likely advise you to follow this diet. Though potassium is an essential dietary mineral required to keep the nervous system and heart functions operating, excessive quantities can harm the muscle and nerve systems and be lethal if not controlled.

This article discusses a detailed low potassium diet list that contains low-potassium foods. In addition, we will discuss the high-potassium foods that you need to avoid, tips to lower potassium levels in your foods, and much more important information. Read on!

Low Potassium Diet List That You Should Know

Potassium is an essential nutrient our bodies require in adequate amounts to operate correctly. According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), approximately 40%-50% of people living with kidney disease struggle with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). So, restricting their potassium intake by consuming low-potassium foods in moderate amounts can benefit. Here, is the list of the low potassium foods list you must add to your diet:

Low Potassium Fruits and Vegetables

Low Potassium Fruits

If you want to limit your potassium intake, here are some low-potassium fruits that you can include in your diet:

• Apples

• Blueberries

• Cranberries

• Strawberries

• Pineapple

• Pears

• Plums

• Raspberries

• Blackberries

• Cherries

• Peaches

• Apricots

• Nectarines

• Kiwi

• Grapes

• Mangoes

• Tangerines

• Papayas

• Watermelon

Low Potassium Vegetables

Here are some veggies that are relatively low in potassium:

• Green beans

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Onions

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)

• Lettuce

• Radishes

• Summer squash (yellow or green Chappan Kaddu)

• Cucumbers

• Zucchini

• Carrots

• Corn (fresh or frozen)

• Celery

• Eggplant

• Spinach (in limited amounts)

Low Potassium Meats

Meats generally contain low potassium. However, the potassium levels can differ depending on the type of meats and cooking methods. Have a look at some low-potassium meat options:

• Chicken (skinless)

• Salmon

• Turkey (skinless)

• Pork (lean cuts)

• Lamb (lean cuts)

• Beef (lean cuts)

• Veal (lean cuts

Low Potassium Snacks

Moreover, you can choose some snack options that also contain low potassium content:

• Popcorn (with minimal or no salt)

• Rice cakes

• Unsalted crackers

• Canned peaches or apricots (in juice, not syrup)

• Baby carrots

• Celery sticks

• Jicama sticks

• Unsalted nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, or peanuts)

• Rice pudding (made with low-potassium rice)

• Low-potassium cheese (in moderation)

Low-Potassium Grains

The healthcare providers might also suggest low-potassium grains, especially if you are living with kidney disease or other medical issues. Here are certain grains low in potassium that you can add to your diet

• White Rice

• Tapioca (Sabudana)

• Couscous

• Semolina (Rava)

• Bulgur (Dalia)

• Barley (Jau)

Low-Potassium Drinks:

You can also enjoy certain beverages that are low in potassium that are:

• Some fruit juices like pineapple, apple, and grape

• Coffee (that should be less than 8 oz)

• Tea (that should be less than 16 oz)

What is a Daily Potassium-Restricted Diet Limit?

A potassium-restricted diet limits your daily potassium intake to a specific number of milligrams (mg). The limit can vary depending on your health needs. A standard guideline claims that around 2,300-3,500 mg of potassium per day is safe. However, this can change depending on your medical condition, age, and other factors. Furthermore, you can consult your doctor to understand the correct potassium limit for your situation and receive guidance on which foods to avoid or limit to meet that goal.

What Are the High and Low Potassium Levels?

Doctors typically measure potassium levels in the blood in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). They generally consider the normal range for potassium levels in the blood to be between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L (or mg/dL). This range can vary slightly between different laboratories and medical institutions.

Here is a general breakdown of low, high, and normal potassium blood levels:

• Low potassium levels (Hypokalemia): Studies suggest that if your potassium levels in the blood are below 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L (or mg/dL), you may have low potassium levels. Low potassium symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and muscle cramps.

• Normal potassium levels (Normokalemia): This refers to normal potassium levels in the blood, typically falling within the range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

• High potassium levels(Hyperkalemia): This condition occurs when you have high blood potassium levels, usually above 5.0 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia can lead to symptoms like muscle weakness, irregular heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

What Does a Low Potassium Daily Diet Look Like?

It is recommended to consume less than 2,000 to 3,000 mg of potassium content a day. The total serving of food will completely depend on several factors. Your dietitians can help you determine the number of servings of each type of low-potassium food based on your body weight and height.

Have a look at your low-potassium diet plan:

High Potassium Foods to Avoid 

If you want to keep your potassium levels low, limit or avoid these foods with potassium.

High-Potassium Fruits:

• Apricots

• Bananas

• Pomegranates

• Mangoes

• Cantaloupe

• Oranges

• Avocado

• Dried fruits

• Pumpkin

• Honeydew melon

• Kiwis

• Nectarines

• Papayas

• Prunes

High-Potassium Vegetables:

• Broccoli (cooked)

• Artichoke

• Beets

• Baked beans, refried beans, and black beans

• Lentils

• Brussels sprouts

• Spinach (cooked)

• Kohlrabi

• Okra

• Parsnips

• Potatoes (white & sweet)

• Rutabagas

• Tomatoes

• Zucchini

Other High-Potassium Foods:

• Bran products

• French fries

• Chocolate

• Peanut butter

• Coconut water

• Potato chips

• Creamed soups

• Granola

• Ice cream

• Miso

• Tofu

• Molasses

• Nuts

• Salt substitutes

• Seeds

• Yogurt

High-Potassium Drinks:

• Orange juice

• Prune juice

• Pomegranate juice

• Coffee (not more than 8 oz)

• Milk (evaporated, soy, milkshakes, buttermilk, malted chocolate, and eggnog)

Who Needs a Low-Potassium Diet?

The healthcare providers might suggest to limit the addition of potassium-rich food the everyday diet if an individual lives with the following health conditions:

• Kidney disease 

• Type 1 diabetes

• Liver disease

• Addison's disease (Adrenal insufficiency)

• Congestive heart failure

Doctors might also recommend reducing potassium intake in case a person is using these medications: 

• Angiotensin receptor blockers

• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

• Digoxin

• Diuretics

• Pain medications

How Can I Reduce My Potassium Intake?

You need to have a balanced meal with no potassium or low-potassium foods to lower your potassium intake. You can try the following:

1. Limit High-Potassium Foods: Avoid or reduce foods high in potassium, such as bananas, potatoes, and oranges.

2. Take Diet in Smaller Portions: Even if you enjoy high-potassium foods, try eating them in smaller portions to decrease your potassium intake.

3. Watch Your Cooking Methods: Certain cooking methods, like boiling, can help reduce vegetable potassium. Rinse and drain canned vegetables to remove some of the potassium.

4. Choose Lower-Potassium Alternatives: Eat foods with lower potassium levels. For example, choose apples instead of bananas for a fruit snack.

5. Consult a Dietitian: If you have a medical condition requiring strict potassium control, you can consult a dietitian. The doctors can recommend a personalized plan.

What Fast Foods are Low in Potassium?

If you crave for some fast-foods, then, you can include these foods in your low potassium diet:

• Hamburgers

• Grilled chicken sandwiches

• French fries

• Plain cheeseburgers

• White bread

How to Lower Potassium Levels in Foods?

If you want to reduce the potassium levels in your foods, you can consider the following tips:

• Soak the food: This method lowers the potassium levels by 40%-49% in green leafy veggies, beef, and grains. In addition, it reduces 30-39% of potassium from non-leafy veggies, fish, beans, and chicken.

• Cook the food: Moreover, you can try cooking the foods in water or microwaves or go for pressure cooking to lower potassium levels in certain foods. Those foods include broccoli, fruits, cereals, cauliflowers, legumes, and meats.

• Drain liquids: The liquid that surrounds the veggies and fruits is rich in potassium. You can drain the liquid and rinse the fruits to reduce the potassium levels. In addition, if you are consuming cooked meat, you can drain the juice.

• Read the labels: Make sure to carefully read all the nutrition facts about the packed foods. This can help you know the potassium levels they may be containing.

• Measure each serving: If you excessively eat low-potassium foods, it can lead to high potassium consumption. So, make sure to consume the appropriate amount by measuring each serving. 

Is Corned Beef High in Potassium?

Yes, corned beef is relatively high in potassium. A 3-ounce serving of corned beef contains around 329 mg of potassium. Corned beef gets its distinctive flavor from soaking in a salt brine solution. The brining solution contains potassium salts that get absorbed into the meat. Additionally, corned beef is typically made from beef brisket which is a naturally lean cut of meat. Leaner meats generally contain more potassium than fattier cuts.

Is Milk Chocolate High in Potassium?

No, milk chocolate is not particularly high in potassium. A typical 1.5-ounce serving of milk chocolate contains around 100-150 mg of potassium. The dark chocolate is surprisingly high in potassium levels, typically containing 228 milligram per 100 grams. This amount of potassium is largely due to cocoa beans and cocoa butter. 

Do Pumpkin Seeds Good for Kidney Disease?

Yes, pumpkin seeds are good for patients with kidney disease. This is because they are lower in potassium compared to many other nuts and seeds. A 1-ounce serving typically contains about 160 mg of potassium which is considered moderate. Additionally, pumpkin seeds provide phosphorus, an important mineral for kidney patients. However, phosphorus should still be moderated based on individual needs.

Can Cancer Cause Low Potassium?

Chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and surgical procedures can lead to extreme potassium loss through vomiting, diarrhea, or damage to the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. In addition to that, some cancers like lung cancer can overproduce cortisol and other hormones that increase urinary potassium excretion. Low potassium is particularly common in lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. In addition, lymphomas and leukemias can significantly affect hormone regulation.

Importance of Low Potassium Diet

Low-potassium diet is significantly important for the treatment of conditions that affect kidneys. The main organ that maintains the normal range of the body's potassium levels is the kidneys. If you consume excess amounts of potassium, it can damage the heart and sometimes can be life-threatening. You need a low-potassium diet for conditions such as hyperkalemia, chronic kidney disease, Addison disease, and diabetes.

In addition, certain medications like aldosterone antagonists or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors can raise potassium levels. This happens as these medicines prevent the kidneys from flushing out the excessive amount of potassium from the blood. By adding foods low in potassium to your diet, the kidneys do not have to work more to remove the potassium. As a result, they help maintain a normal range of potassium in the body. 

Final Thoughts

Choose the low potassium diet and create a healthy eating plan. It basically limits the amount of potassium to add to your everyday meals. If you are living with kidney disease or hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), the doctors might recommend this diet. So, choose the foods low in potassium carefully and enjoy them in your diet. Just aim to have a balanced diet every time you eat. You can enjoy delicious meals without worrying about too much potassium by exercising and eating right.