Most of us do not think about our potassium level. In healthy people, serum potassium is regulated by the kidneys and an abnormal amount of blood potassium is uncommon. However, if you have an underlying disorder, such as diabetes, your kidney function can become impaired. This can lead to a dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia or abnormally high levels of potassium in your body. Untreated hyperkalemia can lead to a life-threatening heart arrhythmia. If your doctor discovers hyperkalemia, he will likely discuss with you a dialysis regimen, as well as a diet of low-potassium foods.
Grains
When you consider breads and cereals, you probably understand that whole-grain options are healthier than products, such as white bread, that are made with refined, highly processed ingredients. For people who are limiting their intake of potassium, this food group can get a little tricky.
According to MayoClinic.com, whole-grain products are richer in fiber and nutrients like magnesium, selenium and potassium. Rather than allowing you to use this as an excuse to indulge in processed grain products, your doctor may recommend that you supplement your fiber intake with additional servings of low-potassium fruits and vegetables and possibly limit your intake of grains altogether.
Fruits
Drugs.com suggests that low-potassium foods contain less than 100 mg of potassium per serving. Among its list of low-potassium recommendations for fruit are 1/2 cup servings of applesauce, fresh blueberries or mandarin oranges. Avoid fruits, such as cantaloupe, bananas and raisins, as they can contain up to 494 mg of potassium per serving.
Vegetables
Like fruits, vegetables -- even those low in potassium -- can be an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients. Drugs.com recommends 1/2 cup servings of frozen green beans, cucumbers or iceberg lettuce as low-potassium choices. Stay away from tomatoes, which contain very high levels of potassium; potatoes; mushrooms and asparagus.
Fish and Meat
Choosing what fish and meat options are best for you can also be confusing. According to UpToDate.com, most beef and fish options contain high levels of potassium per serving. Therefore, if you consume these, limit your portions. Eggs are an excellent high-protein, low-potassium substitute for fish and meat. Drugs.com calculates that there are as few as 55 mg of potassium in a single egg.
Dairy
The American Association of Kidney Patients recommends that you "be sure to avoid or limit high-potassium foods such as dairy products." If dairy is your primary source of calcium, choose low-potassium American and cheddar cheeses over yogurt, cottage cheese and milk, which can contain up to 398 mg of potassium per serving.
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