Foods To Avoid When Your Potassium Is Elevated

Potassium is a mineral that is essential for the heart, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and maintaining the body’s acid-base balance. Elevated potassium can result in cardiac arrest and changes in nerve or muscle control. According to the National Library of Medicine, the recommended daily intake, or RDI, for adults is 4.7 grams a day. Be aware that the USDA reports the amount of potassium per serving in milligrams (mg). The RDI of 4.7 grams converts to 4,700 mg.

Avoid

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database, the highest sources of potassium, which are the foods to avoid if your potassium is elevated, are canned tomato products and tomato paste. Every cup of tomato product contains 2657 mg of potassium. The next highest sources contain 900 to 1500 mg of potassium per serving. This group includes white beans, dates, condensed milk, raisins, potatoes, soybeans, lima beans, halibut and tropical trail mix.

High Potassium

This category includes foods containing 500 to 899 mg of potassium per serving. Plantains, refried beans, nuts, spinach, sweet potatoes, beans, lentils, peas and prune juice are at the top of this group. In the bottom half you’ll find cabbage, haddock, salmon, parsnips, pumpkin, mushrooms, bananas, yogurt, oat bran and orange juice.

Medium Potassium

Many foods are good sources of potassium so the group containing 100 to 499 mg per serving is large and varied. All of the meats are found in this category, with turkey containing the highest amount, as are many fish including tuna, sardines, haddock and cod. Vegetables include brussels sprouts, squash, artichokes, corn, carrots, broccoli and celery. The fruits found in this group are cantaloupe and honeydew, apricots, peaches, apples, plums and grapefruit juice. Wheat flour and rice finish the list.

Low Potassium

The USDA nutrient list is comprehensive, so the group of foods containing less than 100 mg of potassium includes items such as sweets, alcohol and bread. Foods in this category that are frequently found in a typical diet are lemons, eggs, iceberg lettuce, cauliflower, hot dogs, spaghetti and many ready-to-eat cereals.