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Limiting Potassium in Your Diet by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

Image for patassium 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. He or she will also help you design a low potassium diet.

Food Sources of 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

RESOURCES:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics http://www.eatright.org/
National Kidney Foundation http://www.kidney.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Dietitians of Canada http://www.dietitians.ca/
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

References:

Dietary guidelines for Americans 2005: Appendix B-1. Food sources of potassium. US Department of Agriculture website. Available at: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/appendixb.htm. Updated July 9, 2008. Accessed September 4, 2012.
Potassium. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthlibrary. Updated September 2011. Accessed September 4, 2012.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Brian Randall, MD

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Limiting Potassium in Your Diet by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd

Food Sources of Potassium

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References:

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