Potassium is an element that is essential to the human body, including kidney function. Heart failure patients often have restrictions to help decrease potassium levels in their body because commonly prescribed medications such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which are often prescribed, increase blood potassium levels. Understanding various foods and their potassium levels can be helpful in the management of various conditions. A select number of potassium-free choices are available. Knowledge of lower potassium foods is also helpful.
Non-Dairy Creamers
Coffee additives such as non-dairy creamers are potassium free. However, reduce the overall quantity added to beverages because it can be an unaccounted source of added fat to your diet. Fat-free non-dairy creamers are good options to reduce the amount of added calories.
Non-Dairy Topping
Non-dairy topping is a good choice if looking to avoid large quantities of potassium. They are great for people who have certain intolerance to milk. It can be used with other low-potassium foods such as blueberries if you are aiming for a dessert with low potassium. Care must be taken because some non-dairy toppings are made with casein, a milk protein.
Jelly Beans
A ten-piece serving of small jelly beans has only 4mg of potassium and 41 calories. These popular candies are high in sugar and do not offer any redeeming nutritional value. They can be great as a replacement snack for baked goods in limited amounts.
Powdered Fruit Drinks
Unsweetened, powdered fruit drinks that are mixed with water have no potassium and calories. They are also low in sodium. Sugar can be added in small quantities for a refreshing beverage.
Fruit Punches
Many fruit punches are potassium free. The calories are similar to that found in carbonated beverages. Sweetened drinks should be consumed in moderation.
Low-Potassium Fruits and Vegetables
Potassium can be found in many fruits and vegetables. Choices with over 250 mg are considered high-potassium foods. Many fruits and vegetables have less than 250 mg of potassium. Many often have less than 150 mg per half cup serving and are good choices. Fruits and vegetables should be limited to four servings a day to avoid excess potassium intake. Lower potassium options include blueberries, grapes, peach nectar, strawberries, onions, alfalfa sprouts and celery.
Breads and Grains
Half-cup servings of certain grains have less than 250 mg of potassium per serving. Foods with white flour are low in potassium. They include plain bagels, white bread and pasta. Closely monitor intake so that potassium levels do not accumulate by overconsumption of lower potassium choices.
Helpful Tips
If on a low-potassium diet, potassium-free choices should be used in addition to monitoring the amount of potassium in other foods. Salt substitutes and seasonings with potassium should be avoided. Leaching of vegetables, which removes calcium from foods, is a good way to reduce overall potassium in common foods. Ensure that proper portion sizes are consumed.
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