You might enrich your diet with foods containing the lowest amount of potassium if you have kidney disease or are taking certain medications that elevate your potassium levels. People with kidney disease or kidney failure often don't process potassium properly, causing levels to become dangerously elevated in the blood. If your doctor recommends that you follow a low-potassium diet, work with a registered dietitian to plan your meals.
Starches
Noodles, rice and pasta are among the starchy foods that contain the lowest levels of potassium, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You may also try breads that aren't whole grain and don't contain bran, oats, nuts and seeds. Avoid eating potatoes, which are especially high in potassium, MayoClinic.com warns. Tortillas and many cereals are low in potassium, but avoid cereals with bran and granola.
Fruits
The lowest potassium fruits include apples, grapes, cherries, grapefruits, peaches, pears, tangerines, plums, pineapples and watermelon, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Most types of berries like cranberries, blueberries and strawberries are also low in potassium. Avoid eating bananas and oranges, which are high in potassium, MayoClinic.com cautions. Also avoid many dried fruits like apricots, raisins, prunes and figs.
Vegetables
Green peas, onions, peppers, fresh mushrooms, lettuce, radishes, celery, corn and cauliflower are all low-potassium vegetables, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Asparagus, green and wax beans, cucumber, eggplant, okra, kale, water chestnuts, parsley, watercress and rhubarb are also good choices if you're following a low-potassium diet. Cabbage and cooked carrots are low in potassium as well, MayoClinic.com notes. Avoid high-potassium vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, raw carrots, squash, legumes, pumpkins, parsnips, canned mushrooms and rutabagas.
Sweets
Many types of cakes, pies and cookies that don't contain nuts or chocolate are low in potassium, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Desserts that don't contain large amounts of milk or dairy also have low levels of potassium. Sweets like chocolate and desserts with nuts or peanut butter are high in potassium, however. Also, keep in mind that you should avoid sweets containing potassium-rich fruits like bananas and oranges, MayoClinic.com notes.
Condiments
Certain condiments may contain potassium. If you're on a low-potassium diet due to kidney disease or renal failure, you may need to limit your salt intake in addition to potassium, MayoClinic.com says. But beware that many salt substitutes contain extremely high levels of potassium, warns the University of Michigan Health System. Instead, you should use herbs to flavor your food instead of salt or salt substitutes. Read the labels on all commercially-made condiments, sauces, spice mixes and seasonings to determine the amount of potassium.
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