Potassium is a nutrient that helps support your heart and muscles. Too much can be dangerous, and if your levels are elevated, your doctor may recommend a low-potassium meal plan. Having too much potassium in your blood can produce weakness, nausea, diarrhea, pain and muscle weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. A low potassium diet will likely be reduced from 4 g of potassium daily to 2 g or 3 g each day.
Reasons
High levels of potassium is referred to as hyperkalemia, and is the result of several health conditions. Acute or chronic kidney failure is a primary reason for high potassium. Addison's disease, tissue damage from a serious burn, surgery or alcoholism could also cause your potassium to be dangerously high. If you have any of these problems, your doctor may prescribe a low-potassium diet.
Foods to Include
Creating a menu helps you stay within potassium limits recommended by your doctor. Most meats are safe, including bacon, beef, fish, chicken and pork. Healthy meat alternatives include peanut butter, eggs, low-sodium cheese and tofu. Aim for 6 oz. to 7 oz. of these daily. Eat three servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables each day. Most options are low enough in potassium to make them good choices. Include two servings of milk products each day, including milk, yogurt, ice cream or pudding. A couple servings of plain white-grain foods can be eaten as well.
Foods to Avoid
While you have a large selection of foods that are safe on a low potassium menu, some items should be limited or avoided to keep your potassium in check. Avoid canned meats, frozen dinners, dry beans, seeds, nuts and regular types of cheese. Several types of fruit are high in potassium, including bananas, citrus fruits and avocados. Vegetables that you should eat with caution include potatoes, squash, olives, pickles and vegetable juice. Avoid soy milk products, coffee, chocolate, salt substitutes, sports drinks, granola bars, fig cookies, molasses and instant breakfast drinks. Limit whole wheat products as well.
Tips
When you create your low potassium menu, some tips can keep your intake low while also allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods. Drain and rinse canned fruits and vegetables; cook frozen foods in water, which will keep potassium content down. Don't use salt substitutes or artificial sweeteners, which can increase your potassium level.
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