Potassium, an electrolyte, is present in many foods, and it is an essential nutrient in the human body. However, in some individuals, an elevated level of potassium in the body, known as hyperkalemia, may increase the risk of developing kidney disorders, including kidney failure, lupus nephritis and obstructive uropathy. For those monitoring their potassium intake, it's beneficial to know what foods have little or no potassium.
Grains
Refined grains are lower in potassium than whole grains, so bread made from white flour is lower in potassium than bread made with whole grain flour. A food serving should contain less than 250 mg of potassium to be included in a low-potassium food list.
White rice is lower in potassium than brown rice, and white pasta is lower in potassium than whole-grain pasta.
Meat
Most meats are high in potassium, but a single 3-oz. serving of chicken, tuna or turkey weighs in with less than 250 mg. Shrimp is another acceptable low-potassium food. Red meat may be too high in potassium for those wishing to lower their blood potassium level.
Vegetables
Many vegetables contain less than 250 mg of potassium per serving, and these make up the bulk of most low-potassium diets. Lettuce, kale, cucumber, celery, fresh mushrooms, onions and raw spinach are all low on the potassium scale. In addition, you may choose okra, green peas, watercress, green peppers, cauliflower and fresh eggplant.
Some vegetables, including cabbage and carrots, qualify as low potassium when cooked. To further reduce potassium in cooked vegetables, slice them thinly and soak them in water for a few hours before cooking.
Snacks
Treats brighten any diet, and the low-potassium dieter may stay beneath 250 mg of potassium when consuming a single serving of yellow cake or angel food cake or a medium size cookie as long as these items contain no nuts or chocolate, both of which are high in potassium.
Fruit snack choices are abundant, including one apple or an 8-oz. serving of apple juice, canned apricots, fruit cocktail or canned peaches. A single canned fruit serving is approximately ½ cup. Additional low-potassium fruits include watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, a plum, a tangerine, grapes or grape juice, grapefruit, an orange or ½ of a fresh peach.
Drinks
Sweetened fruity drinks, such as Kool-Aid, as well as fruit punch, tea or coffee, are low in potassium.
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