Normally, your body maintains a healthy serum potassium level. However, certain conditions and situations result in potassium, as well as other electrolyte, imbalances. Because a potassium imbalance is serious, medical treatment is necessary. If your doctor alerts you that your blood potassium level is too high, expect her to recommend a low-potassium diet -- in addition to other potential interventions -- to help lower your potassium level to a safer level.
Hyperkalemia
Medical professionals diagnose hyperkalemia when your serum potassium level becomes too high. A normal blood potassium is a level between 3.6 mEq/L and 4.8 mEq/L. After your initial diagnosis of hyperkalemia, your doctor performs additional testing to uncover the underlying reason for the imbalance. Treatment depends on the cause, but it is imperative. If your potassium increases to 6.0 mEq/L, you are at risk for several symptoms, including those involving your heart, that put your health at imminent risk.
Fruits
Low-potassium fruits are those containing less than 100 mg of potassium per serving. Mandarin oranges and applesauce are low-potassium fruit choices. The same is true of fresh blueberries. Tangerines, plums and raspberries are also good choices. Avoid high potassium fruits, such as bananas, honeydew and cantaloupe melons, raisins, kiwi fruit, papayas and mangoes. Depending on your potassium level, your doctor may allow a moderate amount of fruits containing medium amounts of potassium -- 100 mg to 200 mg per serving -- such as peaches, pineapple, watermelon and strawberries.
Vegetables
Servings of frozen green beans, cucumber slices and iceberg lettuce contain low amounts of potassium. Other low-potassium vegetables include alfalfa and bean sprouts, cabbage, eggplant, radishes and onions. Canned bamboo shoots and beets are also low in potassium. Avoid tomatoes and tomato juice, sweet and white potatoes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin and avocados, as these vegetables contain more than 200 mg of potassium per serving. Depending on the severity of your hyperkalemia, your doctor may allow carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, summer squash and zucchini in moderation.
Protein and Dairy
Many protein and dairy foods contain high levels of potassium. However, eggs are a source of low-potassium protein. And a serving of American cheese is a low-protein dairy source. Stay away from potassium-rich protein sources, including turkey, salmon and beef. Sunflower seeds, peanut butter and lentils are also proteins high in potassium. You should also avoid high-potassium dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese and milk. Ask your doctor about incorporating protein and dairy foods containing medium amounts of potassium. These include peanuts, vanilla ice cream and peanuts.
Member Comments