Low Potassium Diet

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Low Potassium Diet

Potassium is found in many foods. Dairy products, nuts, seeds, beans, and many fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of potassium. You need potassium for muscle function, but for some people, too much can be very dangerous. People with certain kidney diseases need a low potassium diet.

Benefits of a Low Potassium Diet:

Helps to lower the amount of potassium in your blood
Helps to maintain normal muscle and heart function

Guidelines of a Low Potassium Diet:

Be sure to cook frozen fruits and vegetables in water; rinse and drain well before serving.
Liquid should be drained from all canned fruits and vegetables and rinsed before serving.
Potatoes may be peeled, sliced thin, and soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight before rinsing and cooking. Leafy green vegetables (collards, spinach, and kale) should also be soaked for at least 4 hours and rinsed well before cooking. This helps to significantly lower the amount of potassium in these foods.
Check labels for words that include potassium, such as potassium chloride, to avoid potassium hidden in foods.
Avoid salt substitutes; many of them contain potassium. Salt-free herb blends and spices are acceptable.
Limit foods that are high in potassium.