Foods With Low Potassium

Potassium is an important mineral to the body, aiding in its ability to maintain a normal blood pressure rate. It is usually found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and milk. Individuals suffering from kidney disorders are often ordered to change to a low potassium diet because of the body's inability to process potassium. Not switching could result in confusion, heart attacks and a number of other heart problems.

Low Potassium Vegetables

There are a number of vegetables that can be considered low in potassium. In order for these vegetables to fall into the low potassium category they must be consumed only one serving at a time (or 1/2 cup cooked). These include but are not limited to asparagus, green beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, eggplant, green peas, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers and watercress.

Low Potassium Fruits

Quite a number of fruits are considered to be low in potassium as well. Fruits should, as noted above, also be eaten only one serving at a time. Unless otherwise noted, a single serving of the following fruits is equivalent to 1/2 cup. Some great low-potassium fruits include apples (one medium), blackberries, cherries, grapefruit (half of a fruit), peaches (one small), plums (one whole), strawberries and watermelon (1 cup).

Other Low Potassium Foods

Low potassium foods don't need to be bland and, believe it or not, there are a few foods you might not have considered that may fit your low potassium diet. Unless otherwise noted, a single serving of the following foods is 1/2 cup. These include bread and any type of bread product, coffee (8 oz.), noodles, pasta, rice, tea (16 oz. maximum), cookies made without nuts or chocolate, and even pies made without chocolate or any other high potassium ingredient.

Low Potassium Protein Sources

The most difficult adjustment to your diet will be finding proteins that are low in potassium. Low potassium foods usually have under 100 mg of potassium per serving. Medium potassium foods have up to 200 mg per serving and high potassium foods have more than 200 mg per serving. Most fishes and meats are considered high potassium foods. For example, 3 oz. of salmon has 319 mg of potassium. Three oz. of roast dark meat turkey has 259 mg. One egg, on the other hand, is considered low potassium, averaging 55 mg per egg.