A high level of potassium in the body, a condition called hyperkalemia, occurs most often due to impaired kidney function, according to Dr. Ruben Mesa, a hematologist at the Mayo Clinic. Other reasons for high levels of potassium in the body include Addison's disease and other hormone disorders, overdose of potassium supplements, burns or injuries in which red blood cells are compromised, medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and rhabdomyolysis, a muscle breakdown disorder caused by alcohol or drug use. If your doctor places you on a low potassium diet, stick with this diet as much as possible to prevent severe health problems such as heart arrhythmias and death.
Step 1
Eat only one 1/2-cup serving of potassium-containing fruit and vegetables a day, if desired. High potassium choices include: asparagus, beets, corn, collard greens, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, kale, parsnips, spinach, canned tomatoes, zucchini, turnips, parsnips, banana, blackberries, oranges, pears, plums, figs, prunes, cherries, raisins, grapefruit, pineapple, watermelon and kiwi.
Step 2
Eat three other 1/2-cup servings of low potassium fruit and vegetables a day. These fruits and vegetables include: green peppers, water chestnuts, wax beans, green beans, raw cabbage, lettuce, peeled cucumber, blueberries, grapes, cranberries and lemon.
Step 3
Eat potatoes sparingly, but only if they are leached. Leach potatoes before cooking them by peeling the skin off the potato, then cutting it into small pieces. Soak the pieces in water for four hours, then drain. Cook the potato in clean water.
Step 4
Eat no more than four ounces per day of fish, meat, cheese, beans and seeds.
Step 5
Limit milk intake to 1/2 cup per day, including yogurt and ice cream.
Step 6
Eat grains and starches such as wheat, oats and rice as sparingly as possible.
Step 7
Avoid nuts, peanuts, molasses and chocolate entirely, as well as packaged foods and spices containing potassium chloride.
Tips and Warnings
- Your potassium intake level should stay under 60 mg per day.
- Consult your doctor and follow his directions if there are any other foods he would like you to eat or avoid.
Things You'll Need
- High potassium foods
- Low potassium foods
- Milk
- Peeler
- Potato
- Grains
Member Comments