Fruits and veggies lowest in potassium are: apples, blueberries, limes, and iceberg lettuce. For a full listing of nutrients found in most common fruits, check out our What's In A Half Cup of Fruit Guide and What's In A Half Cup of Veggies Guide.
Kiwifruit. Bananas tend to get all the credit when it comes to potassium-rich fruits, but a single small kiwifruit has nearly as much potassium, at 215 milligrams, as an entire banana.
Water pills (diuretics) help rid your body of extra potassium. They work by making your kidney create more urine. Potassium is normally removed through urine. Potassium binders often come in the form of a powder.
The most common low-potassium juices include apple, grapefruit, cranberry and grape. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, grape juice and grapefruit juice contain no potassium.
Many fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium: Bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, grapefruit (some dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and dates, are also high in potassium) Cooked spinach. Cooked broccoli.
Apples are low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium so they are a great choice for a kidney friendly diet. They are safe to eat for all of the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
If hyperkalemia comes on suddenly and you have very high levels of potassium, you may feel heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or vomiting. Sudden or severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition. It requires immediate medical care.
Carrots contain a moderate amount of potassium and can healthfully be included in a kidney-friendly diet.
Low potassium (best choice)
Cereals that are free from bran, dried fruit, nuts and chocolates such as: Weetabix® Shredded wheat®
Traditionally, white bread was recommended for people with kidney disease because it has less potassium and phosphorus.
A low potassium food can become high in potassium if you eat a large portion. You should limit dairy products (milk, yogurt) to ½ cup or 4 oz per day, or 1 oz low sodium cheese. Speak with your nutritionist about how much you can eat each day. !
Tomatoes are high in potassium, but pasta is served with many sauces that are not tomato-based. If you must select a dish with tomato sauce, ask that it be served on the side. Be cautious – Soul food is often high in potassium. Avoid black-eyed peas, dried beans, cooked greens, spinach, yams, and sweet potato pie.
Excessive water consumption may lead to depletion of potassium, which is an essential nutrient. This may cause symptoms like leg pain, irritation, chest pain, et al.
While not considered a high potassium food, the potassium in cheese should absolutely be made aware. On average, one ounce of cheese will provide about 35 milligrams of potassium. The cheese with the most potassium is processed cheese (like the cheese-in-a-can products).
Some of the lowest potassium meats are clams, oysters, and tuna. Chicken and turkey aren't considered low potassium meats, but they are lower than other types of meats. Deli meats are not only high in potassium but can also be high in sodium and contain phosphorus additives.
Low potassium vegetables include cilantro, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, arugula, kale, Napa cabbage, leeks, spaghetti squash, sweet onions, eggplant, and more. For more low potassium vegetable ideas, see the complete ranking of over 200 vegetables low in potassium.
Broccoli is high in many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
A ½ cup serving of blueberries has less than 150 milligrams potassium making them a low potassium fruit choice. Blueberries are also low in sodium and phosphorus making them suitable for a kidney friendly diet.