Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease require that people suffering from these diseases limit their intake of foods high in potassium and phosphorus (commonly known as phosphate). However, other medical conditions such as heart disease necessitate an increase in the consumption of potassium and/or phosphate-rich foods. The recommended dietary allowance for adults for potassium is 2,000 milligrams per day and 700 milligrams per day for phosphorous. Too much or too little of either of these nutrients can have detrimental health effects.
High Potassium Foods -- Fruits and Vegetables
Foods high in potassium include fresh fruits and vegetables like apricots, artichokes, asparagus, avocados, bananas, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, celery, corn, dates, figs, green beans, honeydew, kiwi, lettuce, onions, oranges, papayas, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, squash, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and watermelon. Don't forget juices, such as grapefruit and prune juices and dried fruits, which are especially high in potassium.
High Potassium Foods -- Legumes and Whole Grains
Legumes and whole grains high in potassium include black beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, lima beans, peanuts, white and brown rice, oat bran, wheat bran, whole wheat bread and oatmeal.
High Potassium Foods -- Meat, Poultry, Fish and Dairy
High potassium protein sources include all cuts of beef, chicken and turkey. A variety of fish including cod, flounder, halibut, sardines, salmon and tuna all contain high levels of potassium. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are rich in potassium.
High Phosphate Foods -- Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in phosphates. This includes frozen pizzas, deli meats, hot dogs, processed cheese, store-bought or pre-packaged cookies, cakes and pastries, and ice cream. Products containing citric acid and high amounts of sugar such as chocolate, hard candies, syrups, sodas and soft drinks also contain high levels of phosphates. When determining whether a processed food is high in phosphates, it is important to consult the nutrition label for a list of ingredients. Foods that contain baking powder, mineral salts, self-rising flour, emulsifiers and lecithin are also prone to high levels of phosphates
High Phosphate Foods -- Dairy, Legumes and Whole Grains
High protein foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt, dried beans and nuts contain large amounts of phosphates. Whole grains, including oat and wheat bran as well as brown rice, also contain high levels of phosphates.
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