What Foods To Avoid To Lower Potassium

Hyperkalemia refers to an increase in the potassium levels in the body, which may be due to an excessive intake of potassium or an abundant release of potassium from the cells into the blood. High potassium levels can be dangerous if not regulated. Avoid certain foods to decrease the amount of potassium in your body.

Bananas and Oranges

Bananas and oranges contain high amounts of potassium. Eat bananas and oranges for low potassium levels, but eating bananas and oranges while hyperkalemic could cause problems and require hospitalization to regulate potassium levels. One medium-sized banana contains approximately 422 mg of potassium, while one medium orange contains 237 mg of potassium. Fruit such as apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, lemons, limes, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, raspberries and strawberries are all low in potassium, will not increase potassium levels and can also help with your overall diet.

Processed and Red Meats

Avoid processed and red meats while hyperkalemic and participating in a low potassium diet. Processed meats include lunch meat and meat from fast-food restaurants. Eat lean meats, such as turkey and chicken. Eating beans alone or with lean meat will supply adequate protein.

Suspected Food Allergens

Food allergies can cause an increase in potassium levels. Your physician will most likely check for food allergies if your potassium levels remain high after participating in a low potassium diet. With a high potassium level, refrain from eating common food allergens, such as milk and other dairy, gluten products, corn and soy.

Vegetables

Vegetables are good for overall health, but some contain high amounts of potassium. Avoid eating avocado, beets, brussels sprouts, chard, cooked spinach, okra, pumpkin, potatoes and tomatoes. You can lower the potassium in vegetables by cooking them in unsalted water and draining the juice before eating them. Lower the potassium in potatoes by peeling and cutting them into small pieces, then soaking them in unsalted water for a minimum of two hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the potatoes, then cook them in unsalted water. Drain the water before eating.