The low potassium diet (about 2000 mg) is important in maintaining ideal blood potassium levels for people with renal insufficiency. A low potassium diet is also prescribed in conjunction with medications that cause potassium retention in the body. Very high blood levels of potassium can lead to a heart attack. Therefore, adherence is vital when the low potassium diet is prescribed by a physician. A low potassium diet is not recommended for the general population.
Low Potassium Fruits
The diet generally allows for two or three low potassium fruits each day. These include apples, applesauce, apple juice, cherries, grapes, plums, mandarin oranges, watermelon, cranberry juice and grape juice. Serving sizes vary. Keep in mind that large portions will contain more potassium and will count as more than one serving.
Low Potassium Vegetables
This list includes corn, carrots, celery, cauliflower, cucumbers, green beans, wax beans, peas, lettuce, onion, mushrooms, and zucchini. Two or three servings per day can be included in the low potassium diet, depending on whether higher potassium vegetables are also included on the same day.
Low Potassium Grain Foods
Many grains are permitted on the low potassium diet, including most breads, crackers, dry cereals, rice, pasta and noodles.
Low Potassium Sweets and Desserts
Many sweets are nearly potassium-free and can be enjoyed on the low potassium diet, providing the individual has no dietary sugar restrictions.
Desserts include plain cookies, plain cakes, pies without nuts or chocolate, sorbets, popsicles and gelatin dessert. Puddings can be made with non-dairy creamer instead of milk for a lower potassium product.
Candies that are low in potassium include hard candies, candy canes, lollipops, gumdrops, jellybeans, jaw breakers and valentine conversation hearts.
How To Eat Potatoes
The high potassium content of the potato keeps it off this list. However, by using a process called leaching, potatoes can be served boiled, mashed or fried without contributing as high an amount of potassium. Leached potatoes can usually be added to the low potassium diet once or twice a week.
To leach the potassium from a potato, first peel, then cut into two-inch chunks. Throw away the peel and soak the chunks in a large pot of tap water for two to four hours. Throw away the water and rinse the potatoes. The chunks will now be much lower in potassium and may be prepared as desired.
Replacing Milk
Liquid non-dairy creamer is suggested to replace milk in recipes and to pour over cereal. Milk is allowed in very limited amounts.
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