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

Fruit:

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

Vegetable:

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 Food:

 Bran & bran products
Chocolate (candy, baked goods, milk, etc.) Coconut
Granola
Molasses Nuts & nut butters
100% Whole Grain
Brown rice

Combination food:

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

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)
Eggs
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. 
 
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.