What Foods Can Lower Potassium Quickly?

High potassium, or hyperkalemia, is when potassium levels in your blood are higher than normal.

Mildly elevated potassium probably won’t cause symptoms, however, if your level is severely elevated, at or above 6.5 mEq/L,  it can be life-threatening.

Typically, the kidneys keep potassium levels in a healthy range. However, kidney disease, some medications, and other medical conditions can cause potassium to rise too high. 

If you’re struggling with high potassium levels, making some dietary changes may help you better manage your levels. 

Learn which foods are low in potassium, which foods you should limit, and how a dietitian can help.

{{splash}}

Foods Low In Potassium 

Limiting your dietary potassium intake can help reduce hyperkalemia. 

There are many delicious and nutritious foods that are low in potassium and can help you stabilize your levels. 

Here are some options.

Low Potassium Fruits

Several fruits are low in potassium, making them great choices if you’re trying to lower your potassium level. 

Low-potassium fruits include:

• Apples.
• Blueberries.
• Cranberries.
• Grapes.
• Grapefruit.
• Pears.
• Pineapple.
• Raspberries.
• Strawberries.

Low Potassium Vegetables

A wide variety of vegetables are low in potassium, including:

• Asparagus.
• Cabbage.
• Carrots.
• Celery.
• Corn.
• Cucumber.
• Eggplant.
• Green beans.
• Peas.
• Iceberg lettuce.
• Onions.
• Radishes.
• Turnips.
• Water chestnuts.

Low Potassium Protein

Many protein sources are naturally low in potassium.

Good choices include:

• Eggs.
• Tuna.
• Venison.
• Lamb.
• Salmon.
• Game meats.
• Beef.

{{local}}

Foods High In Potassium

Here is a table showing you foods high in potassium.

The information from the table is sourced from the National Kidney Foundation.

Medications And Supplements High In Potassium

Several medications and supplements are high in potassium. It’s important to be mindful of these as well.

Here are some examples:

• Potassium-sparing diuretics: These medications help remove excess fluid from the body but retain potassium, which may be problematic if you have high potassium levels.
• ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers: These medications help with high blood pressure and some heart conditions but can also increase potassium levels.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These over-the-counter pain medications can increase potassium levels when taken in high doses or over extended periods.
• Tacrolimus and cyclosporine: These medications that suppress the immune system can also elevate potassium levels.
• Salt substitutes: Many salt substitutes replace sodium with potassium, making it important that you avoid them if your potassium level is high.
• Nutritional supplements: Some supplements may contain high levels of potassium. Always check the label and talk with your doctor or registered dietitian.
• Herbal supplements and remedies: Certain herbal supplements and remedies can interfere with potassium levels. Always consult your doctor or dietitian.

Medications That Can Lower Potassium

While making dietary changes may help reduce your potassium, sometimes medications are also needed to keep it in a healthy range.

Certain medications are available to help reduce potassium when lifestyle modifications aren’t enough. 

You and your medical provider can discuss which option is best for you. 

Diuretics

Diuretics, sometimes called “water pills,” help remove excess fluid and sodium from the body through urine. 

Some diuretics, known as loop diuretics, cause the body to excrete more potassium in the urine, making it a beneficial medication for managing hyperkalemia. 

Potassium Binders

Potassium binders work to bind potassium in the digestive tract and prevent it from entering the bloodstream. Your body then removes the potassium through your bowel movements. 

These medications are typically taken with a meal and can be an effective tool for managing chronic high potassium.

Who Should Lower Their Potassium Levels?

People with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications may need to closely manage their potassium levels. 

• Kidney disease: When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they may struggle to remove excess potassium from the blood.
• Addison’s disease: This condition affects the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that help regulate potassium levels.
• Certain medications: As previously mentioned, certain medications can elevate potassium levels.
• Rhabdomyolysis: This condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases potassium into the bloodstream. It can be caused by crush injuries, excessive exercise, certain medications, and severe burns.
• Excessive potassium intake: Consuming too much potassium through supplements or salt substitutes.

Symptoms Of High Potassium

Mildly elevated potassium typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms.

However, if your level rises too high, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Muscle weakness or fatigue.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Slow or irregular heartbeat.

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:

• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Heart palpitations.
• Sudden collapse.

Takeaway

Keeping your potassium at a healthy level is critical for overall health.

Certain medical conditions and medications can cause potassium levels to rise too high. 

By understanding which foods are low in potassium and working closely with your medical provider and dietitian, you can learn how to effectively manage your potassium level.

{{splash}}

How A Dietitian Can Help

Learning how to adhere to a low-potassium diet may seem overwhelming.

A registered dietitian is a nutrition professional and can give you personalized guidance on a low-potassium diet.

Here are several specific ways they can help you:

• Consider your medical history, medications, and lifestyle to create a tailored meal plan.
• Teach you how to identify and choose low-potassium foods.
• Give you delicious recipes and help you create satisfying meals that meet your personal preferences.
• Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Find a Nourish dietitian who accepts your insurance.