Your kidneys are the main organs that clear wastes from your bloodstream. When your health care provider gives you a diagnosis of kidney disease or renal insufficiency, the amount of potassium in your bloodstream is an important factor for your health. Potassium plays a role in the balance of fluids in your cells. It also affects muscle and heart functions. When you have too much potassium in your blood, your heart may beat irregularly or stop suddenly. Your doctor or a renal dietitian will advise you to decrease your potassium intake from foods in your diet.
Significance
The National Kidney Foundation states that foods that contain 200 mg or more of potassium per serving are high-potassium foods for renal diets. Your dietitian may allow you to include small servings of foods with a low amount of potassium. Serving sizes vary, depending on the type of food.
Lowest Potassium Foods
The American Association of Kidney Patients' Nutrition Counter shows that 3 oz. of bacon, two sardines, 1 cup of Cheerios or corn flakes, 1 cup of cooked white rice, 1 corn muffin and 4 oz. of cottage cheese fall below 100 mg. Additional protein options below 100 mg include 3.4 oz. of tofu, 1 oz. of mozzarella or Swiss cheese, and a beef or turkey hot dog. Vegetable options include 1/2 cup of cooked cabbage or cauliflower. An English muffin, 1 slice of whole wheat bread, 3 oz. of alcohol and 3.5 oz. of white wine also fall below 100 mg.
Meats, Grains and Nuts
A plain bagel, a medium biscuit and one whole wheat pita have less than 200 mg of potassium. Two pork sausage links, 3 oz. of fried shrimp and six medium oysters fall below 200 mg. A 1-oz. serving of English walnuts, pecans or dry-roasted peanuts has less than 200 mg. One cup of cooked wild or brown rice and 1 cup of instant oatmeal are grain options below 200 mg.
Low-Potassium Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit options with less than 200 mg include a medium apple, plum or peach. A 1-cup serving of blueberries, grapes, cherries and canned pears each have less than 200 mg. One cup of pineapple or watermelon and 1.6 oz. of coconut also fall below 200 mg. Vegetables that have less than 200 mg of potassium per serving include 1/2 cup of canned beets or canned green peas and 1/2 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. One ear of corn, 1 cup each of canned green beans or romaine lettuce also have less than 200 mg.
Additional Considerations
Renal diets frequently restrict your fluid, protein, sodium and phosphorus intake. Consult your dietitian about your low-potassium food choices. She will help you select low-potassium foods that do not exceed your health care professional's recommendations for your renal diet.
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