A diet low in potassium is sometimes recommended for those who have kidney or heart problems, according to the Diabetic Living website. Certain blood pressure medications also increase potassium levels in the blood, so you might be directed by your doctor to consume less potassium in an effort to balance your numbers. Some foods are naturally high in potassium and should be avoided. These include dairy products, dried beans and bananas. Always ask your doctor for recommendations before making drastic changes to your diet.
Vegetables
Vegetables can contain anything from very little to no potassium to high levels of potassium, depending on what you choose to eat. According to the Family Health Centers, green beans, cucumber, watercress, raw cabbage and lettuce are the vegetables with the lowest potassium content. For more variety, you can choose to eat vegetables with a medium level content of potassium, although you should limit intake of these to no more than one serving per day. Mid-level potassium veggies include broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, summer squash, carrots, kale, eggplant, turnip greens and celery.
Fruits
Most fruits contain either medium or high levels of potassium, so consumption should be controlled. Fruits that are low in potassium include blueberries and cranberries, lemons and canned pears. Applesauce, grape juice and peach nectar are also low in potassium. You should consume no more than a single serving per day of fruits like mangoes, fresh grapes, cherries or strawberries, tangerines, pineapples and watermelon. Grapefruit, both fruit and juice, should also be limited to one serving a day.
Other Foods
Most grains, including rice, pasta and breads, are low in potassium. However, whole grain breads are not, so they should be avoided. According to the Health Library website of the Holy Cross Hospital, desserts such as cake or cookies are acceptable as long as they don't contain chocolate or nuts. Keep your intake of tea under 16 oz. a day and your intake of coffee to less than 8 oz. All meats are acceptable except for cured or prepared meats, such as smoked meats, dried beef, hot dogs and ham.
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