What is potassium-restricted diet?

Potassium is a mineral. It helps keep the right mix of fluids in your body. It also helps your nerves and muscles work as they should.

Most people get the potassium they need from the foods they eat. But if you have certain health problems, such as kidney disease, you may need to be careful about how much potassium you get. This is because too much potassium can be harmful.

You can control how much potassium you get. You can do this if you eat foods that don't have much of it and you don't eat foods that have lots of it.

The foods you eat contain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Potassium is a nutrient. Your body needs the right amount to stay healthy and work as it should. You can use the list below to help you make choices about which foods to eat.

The foods in this list have less than 200 milligrams (mg) of potassium per serving.

Fruits

• Applesauce, ½ cup
• Blueberries, ½ cup
• Grapes, 9 grapes
• Pineapple, ½ cup
• Raspberries, ½ cup
• Watermelon, ½ cup

Vegetables

• Cucumber (peeled), ½ cup
• Eggplant, ½ cup
• Green beans, ½ cup
• Lettuce, 1 cup
• Peas, ½ cup
• Radish, 1 radish

Grains

• Bagel (plain), 4-inch
• Bread, 1 slice
• Cereal (puffed rice or puffed wheat), 1 cup
• Oatmeal (cooked), ½ cup
• Pasta and noodles (cooked), ½ cup
• Rice (cooked), ½ cup
• Tortilla (flour or corn), 1 tortilla

Dairy and dairy alternatives

• Butter, 1 Tbsp
• Cheese, 1 oz

Meats and other protein foods

• Eggs, 1 egg
• Hotdogs (beef or pork), 1 hotdog

Work with your doctor to find out how much of this nutrient you need. Depending on your health, you may need more or less of it in your diet.

Some foods and drinks may have hidden potassium. Food labels do not have to show the amount of potassium, but some do. Even if potassium is not listed, it may still be in that food.

Potassium may be found in:

• Diet or protein drinks and diet bars.
• Sports drinks. These are meant to replace potassium you lose during exercise.
• Certain herbal or dietary supplements.

You can control the amount of potassium in your diet if you know which foods are low or high in potassium.

Foods low in potassium

• Blueberries and raspberries
• White or brown rice, pasta, and noodles
• Cucumbers and radishes

Foods high in potassium

• Apricots, oranges, prunes, and bananas
• Broccoli, spinach, and potatoes
• Milk and yogurt

Other products that may have potassium

• Diet or protein drinks and diet bars often have potassium. It is also in sports drinks, such as Gatorade. These are meant to replace potassium you lose during exercise.
• Do not use a salt substitute or "lite" salt without talking to your doctor first. These often are very high in potassium.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take. Some medicines can raise your level of potassium.

• Limit foods that are high in potassium. Potassium is in many foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and milk products. High-potassium foods include:
  • Fruits such as bananas, oranges, and cantaloupe.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Broccoli.
  • Milk.
  • Spinach.
  • Potatoes and sweet potatoes.
• Eat foods that don't have as much potassium. These low-potassium foods include:
  • Fruits such as applesauce, pineapple, grapes, blueberries, and raspberries.
  • Cucumbers.
  • White or brown rice.
  • Pasta and noodles.
  • Tortillas.
• Do not use a salt substitute or "lite" salt unless you talk to your doctor first. These often are very high in potassium.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Some medicines can increase the potassium in your body.