PATIENT/FAMILY INFORMATION SHEET

What is Potassium?
Potassium is a mineral necessary for normal muscle and heart function. For some people however, too much potassium may be dangerous.
Potassium is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, but it is also present in dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, and some grain products. The regular daily recommended potassium intake is 4000 milligrams or 4 Grams. For those on a low potassium diet, the recommended daily intake is usually between 2000 and 3000 milligrams (2 – 3 Grams).

Is there anything I can do to reduce potassium in my diet?

• Cook frozen fruits and vegetables in water. Rinse and drain well before eating.
• Rinse and drain all canned fruits and vegetables well before eating.
• Check food labels carefully for ingredients that have potassium in their name. There may be sources of hidden potassium, such as some artificial sweeteners.
• Avoid salt substitutes—many replace sodium chloride with potassium chloride. Salt-free herb blends and spices are acceptable.
• Limit your intake of the high potassium foods listed below.

Foods High in Potassium
Fruits:

• Apricots (canned, fresh, dried)
• Kiwi
• Bananas
• Nectarines
• Cantaloupe
• Oranges (including orange juice)
• Dried fruits (dates, figs, prunes)
• Pears (fresh)
• Honeydew
• Prune juice

Vegetables:

• Avocado
• Chard
• Rutabaga
• Beets; beet greens
• Kohlrabi
• Cooked spinach
• Brussels Sprouts
• Okra
• Winter squash
• Chili peppers
• Pumpkin
• Chinese cabbage
• Vegetable juice cocktail
• Potatoes—white & sweet
• Tomatoes (including sauce, juice, ketchup)

Other Foods:

• Bran
• Chocolate
• Whole grain
• Prepared sauces
• Legumes (beans, peas, Lentils)
• Licorice
• Salt substitute
• Nuts