Maintaining an optimal potassium level is crucial to your health. Your body's potassium level is regulated by your kidneys. Most people do not think about this electrolyte unless you have a disorder that diminishes kidney function, resulting in abnormally high levels of potassium, or hyperkalemia. If allowed to progress, hyperkalemia can cause a weak pulse, nausea and/or a dangerous heart arrhythmia. If tests of your blood reveal hyperkalemia, your doctor will likely discuss the possibility of dialysis, as well as a low-potassium diet not exceeding 3,000 to 4,000 mg of potassium per day.
Dairy
You likely consider dairy when you are trying to maximize your intake of calcium. However, did you know that many dairy products also contain high levels of potassium? According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, if you are complying with a low-potassium diet, you should be sure to limit or avoid most dairy products. If dairy is something you enjoy, choose low-potassium cheeses such as American and cheddar over yogurt and milk, which can contain almost 400 mg of potassium per serving.
Grains
You may be confused to learn that your doctor may discuss limiting, or even eliminating, whole-grain products from your low-potassium diet. Unlike their highly processed and refined counterparts, such as white bread, according to MayoClinic.com, whole-grain foods contain high levels of fiber and other nutrients such as selenium and potassium. Rather than substituting less healthy refined breads and cereals, your doctor may suggest supplementing your fiber intake by increasing your intake of low-potassium fruit and vegetables.
Fruit
Drugs.com suggests several low-potassium fruit options, such as serving sizes of one-half cup of applesauce, mandarin oranges or fresh blueberries. Avoid high-potassium fruits such as papayas, bananas, pears, cantaloupe and raisins. You can incorporate fruits containing "medium" amounts of potassium, such as peaches, pineapple and strawberries, as long as you be sure to limit your portion sizes.
Vegetables
If your doctor recommends a low-potassium diet, be sure to avoid tomatoes, which can contain as much as 400 mg of potassium per serving; asparagus; pumpkin; mushrooms and potatoes. Low-potassium options include servings of one-half cup of iceberg lettuce, cucumber slices or frozen green beans.
Meat and Fish
This food group can be tricky if you are on a low-potassium diet. According to UpToDate.com, most beef and fish contain high potassium levels. Try substituting limited amounts of chicken for beef and fish to help you reach the recommended daily allowance for protein. Eggs are an even better choice for increasing dietary protein, as they contain a low amount--about 55 mg per egg--of potassium.
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