Low potassium diet (1969)

Key points below

Why does my child need a low potassium diet?

Potassium is a nutrient found in food. It helps the body keep a regular heartbeat, contract muscles and control blood pressure.
In kidney disease, and some other medical conditions, potassium levels build up in the blood. High potassium levels may cause heart and muscle problems. A low potassium diet may help avoid these problems.

High potassium food list

May only choose up to 2 servings of a high potassium food per day

Fruits:

Apricots
Apricot juice
Avocados
Bananas
Cantaloupe
Mangos
Nectarines
Oranges
Orange juice
Papayas
Plums
Prunes
Raisins
Rhubarb

High potassium food list continued..

Vegetables:	Artichokes Beans, dried Beets Broccoli Brussels sprouts Carrots Celery Greens Dark green lettuce Lentils Legumes Mushrooms Parsnips Spinach Potatoes (baked, boiled, chips, french fries, mashed) Rutabaga Tomatoes Tomato & V8 juice
Other Foods:	Bran & bran products Chocolate (candy, baked goods, milk, etc.) Coconut Granola Molasses Nuts & nut butters 100% Whole Grain Brown rice
Combination foods:	Casseroles made with high potassium foods Macaroni & cheese Pizza Spaghetti Sandwiches with tomato, cheese or peanut butter

Dairy Products:

Milk, any type
Yogurt
String cheese
Shredded or sliced cheese
Pudding
Ice cream or frozen yogurt

You may have plain or vanilla rice milk (do not use soy, almond or coconut milk.) Non-dairy creamer can be used to replace milk on cereal.

Low potassium food list

These foods may be eaten as desired. If you have any questions about a food that is not listed please contact your dietitian.

Fruits:

Apples
Apple juice
Blueberries
Cherries
Cranberries
Cranberry juice
Grapes
Lemonade
Mandarin Oranges
Pears
Pear juice
Pineapple
Pineapple juice
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon

Low potassium food list continued..

Vegetables:	Asparagus Bean, green or wax Bean sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Corn Cucumber Eggplant, cooked Iceberg lettuce Okra, cooked Onions Peas, green Radish Summer squash Zucchini
Other foods:	Bread & baked goods Cake & cookies (no chocolate) Cereal (no bran or 100% whole grain) Fish Meat Poultry Non-chocolate candy Pasta Pie (no chocolate, pumpkin or cream) White Rice
Combo foods:	Casseroles with low potassium ingredients Meat sandwich on white bread Tacos (no tomatoes)

Nutrition Facts labels

Nutrition Facts labels must list the amount of potassium in a packaged food. The amount will be listed in milligrams (mg).
When reading the Nutrition Facts label, always look at the serving size. Many foods have more than 1 serving.
When eating more than 1 serving you will get more potassium.
Limiting high potassium foods to two servings a day works well for most people.
If you want to count total potassium from all foods, talk to your dietitian for the right amount. It is specific for each child.

nutrition label

Tips

Do not use salt substitutes with potassium chloride. This includes NoSalt™, NuSalt™ or Lite Salt™. Use herbs and spices like Mrs. Dash®, garlic, or lemon juice as seasoning.
Do not use sports drinks or Coconut Waters. They contain more added potassium and sodium than other beverages.
Root vegetables, such as potatoes, that are high potassium can be “leached.” Peel the potatoes and cut in small pieces. Soak in a large pan of water for several hours. Pour off the water and then cook as normal.
Use trusted websites when looking for renal diet information. We recommend:
o http://www.Kidney.org
o http://www.Davita.com

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.