Potassium can be found in many foods. Abnormal blood levels of potassium can be very dangerous as they may lead to serious heart arrhythmias. Kidneys regulate the metabolism of potassium, making sure that its levels are appropriate. However, when your kidneys are not working properly, you often need to limit certain foods that can increase the potassium in your system.
If you need to limit your potassium, your doctor or dietitian will tell you how many milligrams (mg) you can have each day. They will also help you design a low potassium diet.
Whether you need less or more potassium in your diet, you can support your doctor's advice by using the lists below to help you manage your potassium levels:
Food Sources With Potassium
Potassium is found in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. If your doctor wants you to limit your potassium intake, you may want to consume less of the following foods that contain higher levels of potassium:
- Sweet potato
- Tomato juice, sauce, paste and puree
- Beet greens
- Potatoes
- White beans
- Yogurt
- Canned clams
- Prune juice
- Carrot juice
- Soybeans and lima beans
- Blackstrap molasses
- Certain fish such as halibut, yellowfin tuna, Pacific cod, rainbow trout
- Winter squash
- Bananas
- Cooked spinach
- Prunes
- Dried peaches or apricots
- Milk
Food Sources Low in Potassium
There are plenty of low-potassium foods that can be substituted. This list includes some fruits and vegetables:
- Apples or applesauce
- Berries, including blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries
- Green peas
- Tangerine or mandarin orange
- One cup or less of watermelon
- Yellow or zucchini squash
- Lettuce
- Non-whole grain breads or bread products
- Rice
- Pasta
Remember, don't make decisions about your heart health without talking to your doctor. Specifically, ask your doctor or dietitian what vitamins, minerals and nutrients you can include or exclude you're your diet to optimize your heart health, and ask about other options like help with meal planning.