Hyperkalemia, or high serum potassium, is a condition in which the potassium level of your blood rises to an abnormally high level. Symptoms of the electrolyte imbalance, such as weakness, paralysis and heart arrhythmia, can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Therefore, if your doctor prescribes a low-potassium diet as one intervention, it is important that you follow it.
Vegetables
High-potassium vegetables include tomatoes, asparagus, avocados and potatoes. Instead of these vegetables, opt for lettuce. A one-cup serving contains only 87 mg of potassium. A one-half cup serving of cucumber slices is also a good choice, coming in at 88 mg of the electrolyte. If you like green beans, a one-half-cup serving of frozen green beans contains only 85 mg of potassium.
Fruits
A serving of 10 small grapes contains 93 mg of potassium and is an acceptable choice for a low-potassium diet. The same is true of mandarin oranges and blueberries. A one-half cup serving of each contains only 98 mg and 63 mg of the electrolyte respectively. A one-half cup serving of applesauce is also low in potassium, containing just 78 mg. High-potassium fruits o avoid include bananas, cantaloupe, kiwis, papayas and raisins.
Dairy
High-potassium sources of dairy include cottage cheese and milk, and a 6 oz. serving of yogurt contains 398 mg of potassium. Instead of these dairy foods, choose a 1 oz. serving of cheddar cheese. It contains only 28 mg of potassium. A 1 oz. serving of American cheese is also acceptable, coming in at 79 mg. You might also enjoy vanilla ice cream and ricotta cheese, but in moderation, as they contain medium amounts of potassium.
Meat
If you are a meat lover, the bad news is that meat can contain high levels of potassium. The good news, however, is that you can control your portions of meat to sizes that include only about 120 mg of potassium. Limiting your portions to 1 oz. serving sizes allows you to include most meats -- including chicken, beef, veal, lamb and pork -- in your diet. You can even have a 1 oz. serving, or four strips, of unsalted bacon with breakfast.
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