Potassium, a mineral found in many foods, is essential for maintaining heart and muscle function. Almost all foods contain potassium, but fruits and vegetables typically have higher amounts. Most people do not need to limit their potassium intake, because their kidneys remove excess minerals from the blood. However, you may need to limit the potassium in your diet if you have kidney disease or take certain medications. You can decrease your daily potassium intake by limiting certain foods and using alternatives instead.
Step 1
Limit milk, yogurt and ice cream to one 1/2 cup serving per day because these foods are especially high in potassium. Instead, substitute nondairy creamer, unenriched rice milk or popsicles. If you use milk on your cereal, do not drink the milk left in the bottom of the bowl.
Step 2
Choose fruits that are lower in potassium. Select berries, grapes, apples, peaches, pineapple, watermelon and pears. Cut down on bananas, oranges, orange juice, melons, prunes, raisins and mangoes.
Step 3
Select vegetables that are lower in natural potassium. Eat green beans, carrots, cucumbers, onions, lettuce and summer squash. Limit potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin, winter squash and cooked spinach. Also, do not drink vegetable juices made with tomatoes, such as V-8.
Step 4
Leach (soak) your potatoes to remove about half of their natural potassium. Peel the potatoes and cut them into small pieces. Soak them in water for about four hours and then rinse with fresh water. You can then prepare them to your liking and enjoy -- but limit portion sizes to 1/2 cup or so.
Step 5
Cut down on portion sizes and food frequency to decrease the amount of potassium you ingest. Eat favorite high-potassium foods in small portion sizes. Enjoy your garden tomatoes once a week instead of every day. If you plan to eat out and order a baked potato for dinner, avoid high-potassium foods at breakfast and lunch.
Step 6
Avoid salt substitutes, as they are very high in potassium. Regular table salt is made of sodium chloride, but many salt substitutes are made with potassium chloride. To add flavor and spice to your foods, use Mrs. Dash or other seasonings that do not contain potassium.
Tips and Warnings
- Nuts and seeds also tend to be high in potassium. Limit peanuts and peanut butter, as well as candies containing chocolate or peanuts. A low potassium diet is usually 2,000 to 2,500 mg per day.
- Do not severely limit the amount of potassium in your diet. It is needed to maintain heart and muscle function. Low potassium can be just as dangerous as high potassium. Consult a doctor or dietitian to find out the right amount of potassium for your specific diet needs.
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