What is potassium-restricted diet?

Some foods and drinks may have hidden potassium. Food labels do not have to show the amount of potassium, but some do. Even if potassium is not listed, it may still be in that food.

Potassium may be found in:

• Diet or protein drinks and diet bars.
• Sports drinks. These are meant to replace potassium you lose during exercise.
• Certain herbal or dietary supplements.

• Limit foods that are high in potassium. Potassium is in many foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and milk products. High-potassium foods include:
  • Fruits such as bananas, oranges, and cantaloupe.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Broccoli.
  • Milk.
  • Spinach.
  • Potatoes and sweet potatoes.
• Eat foods that don't have as much potassium. These low-potassium foods include:
  • Fruits such as applesauce, pineapple, grapes, blueberries, and raspberries.
  • Cucumbers.
  • White or brown rice.
  • Pasta and noodles.
  • Tortillas.
• Do not use a salt substitute or "lite" salt unless you talk to your doctor first. These often are very high in potassium.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Some medicines can increase the potassium in your body.

The foods you eat contain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Potassium is a nutrient. Your body needs the right amount to stay healthy and work as it should. You can use the list below to help you make choices about which foods to eat.

The foods in this list have less than 200 milligrams (mg) of potassium per serving.

Fruits

• Applesauce, ½ cup
• Blueberries, ½ cup
• Grapes, 9 grapes
• Pineapple, ½ cup
• Raspberries, ½ cup
• Watermelon, ½ cup

Vegetables

• Cucumber (peeled), ½ cup
• Eggplant, ½ cup
• Green beans, ½ cup
• Lettuce, 1 cup
• Peas, ½ cup
• Radish, 1 radish

Grains

• Bagel (plain), 4-inch
• Bread, 1 slice
• Cereal (puffed rice or puffed wheat), 1 cup
• Oatmeal (cooked), ½ cup
• Pasta and noodles (cooked), ½ cup
• Rice (cooked), ½ cup
• Tortilla (flour or corn), 1 tortilla

Dairy and dairy alternatives

• Butter, 1 Tbsp
• Cheese, 1 oz

Meats and other protein foods

• Eggs, 1 egg
• Hotdogs (beef or pork), 1 hotdog

Work with your doctor to find out how much of this nutrient you need. Depending on your health, you may need more or less of it in your diet.