Know Which Foods Are High in Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral that helps you keep a regular heartbeat as well as proper muscle and nerve function. Having kidney disease can make it harder for your body to maintain a healthy potassium level of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L if you’re living with CKD or 3.5-5.5 mEq/L if you have ESRD. If lab results show that your potassium level is too high, you'll need to limit high potassium foods and concentrate on a low potassium diet. If your potassium is too low, your dietitian may have you add 1-2 servings or more of foods high in potassium to your daily diet. It’s important to understand and manage your potassium level so you can feel your best and be your healthiest.
High potassium foods
Here’s a list of high potassium foods that can help you grocery shop wisely and plan your meals according to your dietitian’s recommendations. Remember, potassium needs vary by person, so talk to your dietitian about your potassium level and whether you should limit or add the following foods.
FRUITS
HIGH IN POTASSIUM
Serving size: 1 small piece or ½ cup
Avocado
Banana
Cantaloupe
Dates
Dried apricots
Dried bananas
Dried figs
Dried peaches
Honeydew
Kiwi
Nectarine
Orange
Papaya
Peach
Prunes
Raisins
Rhubarb
Note: Avoid star fruit, which can have a harmful (toxic) effect for people living with kidney disease.
VEGETABLES
HIGH IN POTASSIUM
Serving size: ½ cup fresh or cooked or 1 cup raw leafy
Acorn squash
Beet greens
Butternut squash
Chard
Chinese cabbage
Collard greens
Edamame
Hubbard squash
Kohlrabi
Mushrooms
Parsnips
Plantain
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Spinach (cooked)
Sweet potatoes
Tomato paste
Tomato sauce
Tomatoes (canned)
White potatoes
Yams
PROTEINS
HIGH IN POTASSIUM
Serving size for CKD: ¼ cup or 1-2 ounces, cooked
Black beans
Kidney beans
Lentils
White beans
FLUIDS
HIGH IN POTASSIUM
Carrot juice
Coconut milk
Orange juice
Pomegranate juice
Prune juice
Tomato juice
Vegetable juice
