Low-Potassium Pocket Guide

What is Potassium?

Potassium is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s heart, nerves and muscles working correctly. Kidney disease may cause the kidneys to be unable to remove excess potassium from the blood creating the potential for muscle weakness, nausea, weak pulse and even heart attack.

Levels of potassium in the blood should be monitored by a healthcare provider. The normal level of potassium should range from 3.5 to 5.0.

Low potassium diets limit the total consumption to 1, 500 to 2, 500 mg daily. Check with your physician to receive the daily limit right for you.

Hyperkaliemia is the medical term that describes a potassium level in your blood that’s higher than normal.

Steps you can take to keep potassium at safe levels:

• Talk with a renal dietitian about creating an eating plan
• Limit foods that are high in potassium
• Limit milk and dairy products
• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables
• Avoid salt substitutes and seasonings with potassium
• Read labels on packaged foods and avoid potassium chloride
• Pay close attention to serving size
• Keep a food journal

Lower Potassium Foods

One Serving

• Fruit is one small piece, 1/2 cup fresh, canned or cooked fruit, or 1/2 cup juice.
• Vegetables is 1/2 cup fresh or cooked vegetables, 1 cup raw leafy vegetables, or 1/2 cup juice.
• Meat is 1-3 ounces cooked.
• Bread is one slice.
• Eggs is 1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute.
• Rice, noodles, and pasta is 1/3 cup cooked.

Foods with High Potassium Content