Your doctor or dietitian may suggest a different daily level. If so, follow their instructions.
If you buy fresh foods or a product doesn’t have a nutrition label, look up the potassium content online or on a nutrition app. Pay attention to the serving sizes when you check the nutrition facts. You might assume that a whole package is 1 serving, but in most cases a package contains several servings.
Fruits and vegetables low in potassium include berries, apples, peaches, pears, pineapple, squash, rhubarb, radishes, peppers, onions, lettuce, eggplant, celery, cabbage, beans, and cauliflower. Bread, cereal, lean meats, pasta, and rice are also low in potassium. [5] X Research source
Medium-potassium foods include asparagus, carrots, collard greens, Brussel sprouts, corn, cherries, grapefruit, pears, and oranges. High-potassium foods you should eat cautiously include avocados, bananas, dried fruits, artichokes, honeydew, potatoes, spinach, beets, bran, chocolate, granola, milk, and peanut butter. Check labels or the FDA Database for RDA percents.
Some brand names for salt substitutes are Nu-Salt, No Salt, MySALT, and Also Salt. If you aren’t sure what a product is, check the label. If it says “salt substitute” or “lite/light salt” anywhere, then don’t use it.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian if you need help finding one.
If you use canned vegetables like beans, drain and rinse them to get rid of any excess potassium.
Leaching doesn’t take all of the potassium out of these foods, so watch your portion sizes so you don’t eat too much. This works well with potatoes, beets, rutabagas, carrots, and squash.
Never stop taking medications without your doctor telling you to. If you’re using OTC medications, try asking the staff pharmacist if they contain any potassium.
Even if you don’t have high potassium, these symptoms could be from a different health condition. See your doctor as soon as possible for an exam to rule everything out.
Your doctor will also probably tell you to drink more water while you’re taking diuretics. This helps your kidneys excrete more potassium. Your doctor may also administer diuretics in IV form.
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate and patiromer are 2 common potassium binders. This medication usually comes on powder form. Mix a dosage into a glass of water and drink the whole thing as directed. [17] X Research source
You’ll probably have to go to the hospital for this treatment. Your doctor will likely still instruct you to follow a low-potassium diet after this to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
