Potassium in an important mineral that helps to regulate heartbeat, aid in nerve conduction and it is responsible for muscle contraction. The recommended daily potassium intake is 4.7 g a day, according to Colorado State University. However, certain conditions, such as diabetic kidney disease, require a lower potassium intake than normal. Although no reaction between anticoagulants, such as warfarin, and potassium have been reported, consult your physician before making any dietary changes. When taking blood thinners, be sure to eat foods lower in vitamin K.
Fruits
Many fruits contain a moderate to high amount of potassium, so be careful when selecting your next healthy snack. According to Drugs.com, low potassium fruits contain less than 100 mg. per serving. Fruits that are low in potassium include 10 small grapes, ½ cup of applesauce, ½ cup of blueberries and ½ cup of mandarin oranges. Other relatively low potassium fruits include watermelon, apples, peaches, pineapple and strawberries. All of these fruits have less than 200 mg. of potassium in a serving.
Vegetables
Although vegetables have a number of essential vitamins, they are also often high in potassium. Leafy green vegetables are also high in vitamin K, which can interact with warfarin. Cucumber slices, iceberg lettuce and frozen green beans are low in potassium and vitamin K. Vegetables with a medium amount of potassium include frozen corn, canned peas, fresh green beans, carrots and broccoli. According to Up to Date, an independent medical website, raw or frozen vegetables can be "leached" to remove some potassium content. Soak high potassium vegetables in warm water for at least two hours.
Protein
Most protein sources, such as meat, seafood and dairy, have a large amount of potassium. However, eggs are a good source of protein, with low levels of potassium. One egg contains just 55 mg of the mineral. American and cheddar cheeses are also lower in potassium than other dairy products. Medium potassium foods include a serving of peanuts, ricotta cheese, vanilla ice cream and a chocolate bar. Some vegetarian products are lower in potassium, but the amount varies widely. Check the labels for potassium levels before including these products in your diet.
Other Foods
Most rice and pastas are low in potassium. Breads usually have a low level of potassium, as well. Avoid most potatoes because they are often high in potassium. Chocolate contains potassium, so eat vanilla desserts instead. Check labels on packaged and prepared foods when shopping. If a product contains potassium, it is listed on the nutritional information label. Check with your physician to see how much potassium per day you should be consuming. Generally, you want to find food with less than 200 mg of potassium per serving.
References
- Drugs.com: Potassium Content Of Foods List
- Diabetes Self Management; The Power of Potassium; Amy Campbell; April 2007
- UpToDate; Low Potassium Diet; George L. Bakris, et al.; November 2009
- Colorado State University; Potassium and Health; J. Anderson, et al.; August 2008
- Oregon State University: Vitamin K
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