Hyperkalemia is condition of excess potassium in the body. This is a common condition associated with chronic kidney disease, tissue catabolism, and for those taking potassium supplements. It can lead to muscle weakness, anxiety, paralysis, arrhythmia, heart disturbances, and even death. A restricted potassium intake is required for those dealing with hyperkalemia, but before adjusting your diet, consult with your doctor to avoid any medical complications.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have variable amounts of potassium. Apples, berries, grapes, watermelon are low sources of potassium, while avocados, bananas, dried fruits, oranges, and orange juice contain high sources of potassium. Choose apples, berries, or grapes instead of bananas, oranges, or kiwi. Eat a peach, plum, or pineapple, instead of nectarines, mangos, or papaya. Use lower potassium canned pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail, instead of fresh fruit. Low-potassium vegetables include carrots, cabbage, eggplant, cucumber, sweet peppers, yellow squash, onion, and lettuce. High-potassium foods to be avoided are artichokes, pumpkin, potatoes, tomatoes, and winter squash.
Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are dairy products with high amounts of potassium. Use non-dairy creamer or unenriched rice milk, instead of regular cow's milk. Make puddings with non-dairy creamer, instead of eating yogurt or pudding made with milk. Try sherbet, sorbet, or a popsicle, instead of ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Miscellaneous foods
Other foods that are high sources of potassium include chocolate, molasses, nuts, salt substitutes, seeds, dried beans, peas, and some whole grains. Choose vanilla- or lemon-flavored desserts instead of chocolate desserts. Eat unsalted popcorn or pretzels, rice cakes, jelly beans, or hard candies instead of nuts and seeds. Season with pepper, lemon, or low-sodium herb and spice blends instead of salt substitutes.
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