Potassium in Foods

Hi, I read your article in the paper today and was wondering if you could help with a low potassium diet. I am going on a cruise and the doctor told me to cut down on the potassium. Can you help?

Potassium is a mineral found predominately inside cells of plants, animals, and humans.

Potassium is important for nerve impulse transmission and fluid balance.

High blood potassium, known as hyperkalemia, can cause heart beat irregularities and may result in a heart attack. For the most part, our kidneys filter and remove any excess potassium from the body.

Potassium is predominately found in fruits and vegetables. However, not all fruits and vegetables are created equal. Below are lists of high and low potassium foods.

High potassium foods (fresh, canned or juice):

• Fruits: apricots, avocados, bananas, dates, figs, kiwi, mangos, melons, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, prunes and their respective juices
• Vegetables: artichokes, beans (dried), leafy green vegetables, parsnips, potatoes (including French fires and potato chips), pumpkins, tomatoes (including paste and sauce), winter squash, yams
• Other: yogurt, chocolate, custard, lentils, nuts, pudding, salt substitutes and sport drinks

Lower potassium foods (fresh, canned or juiced):

• Fruits: apples, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, pears, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries
• Vegetables: cabbage, celery, corn, crookneck squash, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, radish, summer squash, zucchini
• Other: bread products, non-dairy creamer, pasta, rice and tortillas

If your potassium level is high, avoid foods containing high potassium and choose foods lower in potassium. If your potassium level is low, choose high potassium foods more often.

By Marlia Braun, PhD, RD and MealWell Sports Nutrition Advisor