Your healthcare provider will likely recommend this eating plan if you havehyperkalemiatoo much potassium in your blood.
Staying within 2,000 mg of potassium means you will need to limit some otherwise healthy foods.
The following are some serving recommendations.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
You’ll need to ensure that your low-potassium diet is full of low-potassium options that are nutrient-rich.
You may also be able to include small portions of high-potassium foods in your diet.
Working with a registered dietitian can help you create a low-potassium meal plan that is both effective and nourishing.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L.
If your potassium levels are 6.0 mmol/L or higher, immediate intervention is necessary.
It can take months for your potassium to get to a dangerous level.
During that time, you may not have any symptoms.
When eaten raw, many fruits and vegetables are too high in potassium for a low-potassium diet.
Some canned fruits and vegetables can also be included as long as you drain and rinse them.
Dairy:Milk products need to be avoided, or at least limited, on a low-potassium diet.
You may be able to have a small serving of milk or yogurt each day.
However, avoid soy and oat milk because they’re high in potassium.
Soda crackers, unbuttered popcorn, and puffed rice are lower-potassium snack options.
Protein:Most animal and plant-based proteins are high in potassium.
However, you better include some protein in your diet.
Choose lower-potassium options or have smaller portions of high-potassium sources.
Egg whites are one lower-potassium option.
Avoid sausage, bacon, lunch meats, and any other processed meats with additives that may contain potassium.
Be careful when choosing cookies, cakes, and ice cream.
Clear gelatin, honey, and maple syrup are lower-potassium choices.
If youre baking, white sugar is lower in potassium than brown sugar.
Beverages:Dehydration can disrupt the electrolyte balance in your body and lead to hyperkalemia.
One 8-ounce cup of iced or hot coffee a day is OK.
Tea is also acceptable, up to 16 ounces per day.
It can be served hot or iced and either plain or sweetened with lemon and sugar or honey.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol is a risk factor forhypokalemia, having too little potassium in your blood.
What Does a Low Potassium Daily Diet Look Like?
Your total servings from each food group will depend on many factors.
In some cases, following a potassium-restricted diet may not be enough.
Taking supplements that contain potassium can thwart your eating efforts, so read labels carefully.
Always discuss any supplements you are considering with a registered dietitian or other healthcare provider before taking them.
Don’t hesitate to ask your server questions or explain your dietary needs.
Choose low-potassium foods and keep an eye on portions, which are often oversized at restaurants.
Additional dietary restrictions enhance the challenge of getting proper nutrition while on a low-potassium diet.
Thus, it’s best to get professional help to figure out how to meet all your dietary needs.
Your potassium levels are related to your bodys sodium levels.
Usually, this happens because of a medical condition.
Too much potassium could potentially be fatal.
To regulate your levels, avoid high-potassium foods and keep serving sides to recommended amounts.
Depending on the cause of hyperkalemia, dietary changes may need to be permanent.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Beef and most types of fish are usually higher in potassium than chicken, turkey, and tuna.
At normal levels, potassium helps keep your cells functioning normally.
It helps your body process carbohydrates and build proteins.
It also plays a role in regulating your heartbeat and keeping your muscles and nerves functioning.
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