Know Which Foods Are High in Potassium

Potassium is an important mineral that helps you keep a regular heartbeat as well as proper muscle and nerve function. Having kidney disease can make it harder for your body to maintain a healthy potassium level of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L if you’re living with CKD or 3.5-5.5 mEq/L if you have ESRD. If lab results show that your potassium level is too high, you'll need to limit high potassium foods and concentrate on a low potassium diet. If your potassium is too low, your dietitian may have you add 1-2 servings or more of foods high in potassium to your daily diet. It’s important to understand and manage your potassium level so you can feel your best and be your healthiest.

Talk to your dietitian

Review your potassium lab results and discuss whether you should ADD or LIMIT high potassium foods.

High potassium foods

Here’s a list of high potassium foods that can help you grocery shop wisely and plan your meals according to your dietitian’s recommendations. Remember, potassium needs vary by person, so talk to your dietitian about your potassium level and whether you should limit or add the following foods.

FRUITS HIGH IN POTASSIUM

Serving size: 1 small piece or ½ cup

Avocado
Banana
Cantaloupe
Dates
Dried apricots
Dried bananas
Dried figs
Dried peaches
Honeydew
Kiwi
Nectarine
Orange
Papaya
Peach
Prunes
Raisins
Rhubarb

Note: Avoid star fruit, which can have a harmful (toxic) effect for people living with kidney disease.

VEGETABLES HIGH IN POTASSIUM

Serving size: ½ cup fresh or cooked or 1 cup raw leafy

Acorn squash
Beet greens
Butternut squash
Chard
Chinese cabbage
Edamame
Hubbard squash
Kohlrabi
Mushrooms (cooked)
Parsnips
Plantain
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Spinach (cooked)
Sweet potatoes
Tomato paste
Tomato sauce
Tomatoes (canned)
White potatoes
Yams

FLUIDS HIGH IN POTASSIUM

Serving size: 4 ounces

Carrot juice
Coconut water
Orange juice
Pomegranate juice
Prune juice
Tomato juice
Vegetable juice

Download a printable guide for tips to manage potassium

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH POTASSIUM

Having either high or low potassium levels can cause:

Tingling and numbness in your fingers and toes
Muscle weakness, cramping, fatigue
Nausea and/or vomiting
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

Talk to your care team if you experience any of these symptoms.

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