As a mineral, potassium helps you maintain fluid balance, muscle control and heart function. People with hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium, may need to limit the amount of potassium in their diet. Hyperkalemia can cause irregular heart beat, nausea and a slow or absent pulse, according to Medline Plus. Discuss your diet with your physician before making any changes.
Fruits
People on a potassium-restricted diet need to limit their intake to 2,000mg of potassium a day, according to Greenwich Hospital. Most fresh fruits contain some amount of potassium. High-potassium fruits contain more than 200mg of potassium in a serving, says Drugs.com. High potassium fruits to avoid include papaya, prune juice, cantaloupe, banana, raisins, mango, kiwi, nectarines, tangelo, orange, orange juice and pears. One papaya contains the highest amount of potassium, with 781mg.
Vegetables
High blood potassium is usually due to an inability of the kidneys to excrete potassium, according to Medline Plus. Limiting potassium in the diet is a long-term solution to hyperkalemia. Vegetables are another source of potassium in the diet. One cup of tomato juice contains the most potassium, with 535mg, according to Drugs.com. Other high potassium vegetables with more than 200mg of potassium in a serving include potatoes with the skin, fresh tomatoes, sweet potatoes with the skin, avocado, asparagus, pumpkin, mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, plantains, swiss chard and Brussels sprouts.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods are another source of potassium in the diet. A 6 oz. cup of yogurt has 398mg of potassium, 1 cup of 2 percent milk has 377mg and 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese has 217mg of potassium, according to Drugs.com.
Other Foods
Avoid legumes if you have to limit your intake of potassium. One cup of pinto beans has 400mg, 1 cup of lentils 365mg and 1 cup of dried peas 355mg, according to Drugs.com. Soy milk has 345mg of potassium in a 1 cup serving. Salmon, dark meat turkey, lean beef and peanut butter also contain high amounts of potassium and should be avoided if you need to limit your intake of potassium.
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