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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP)

Potassium: Tips for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

Potassium: Tips for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

What is potassium?

Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves and muscles work the right way. Problems can occur when potassium levels are too high or too low.

Why is potassium important?

In some people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the kidneys may not remove extra potassium from the blood. Some medicines can also raise your potassium level. Ask your health care team if you need a low potassium diet.

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Nutrition Facts chart highlighting potassium at 240mg, or 6%

How do I know if my potassium is high?

People often do not feel any different when their potassium is too high. Your health care provider will check your blood potassium level and review your medications. The potassium level should be between 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L.

If your potassium is too high, you may be advised to reduce your intake of foods high in potassium.

Nutrition Facts chart highlighting potassium at 240mg, or 6%
Nutrition Facts chart highlighting potassium at 240mg, or 6%

TIPS

  • Salt substitutes can be high in potassium and generally should not be used.
  • Eat smaller portions of these foods: meat, poultry, fish, beans, dairy, and nuts.
  • Drain and rinse canned fruits and vegetables to remove some potassium.
  • Foods labeled “low sodium” may contain salt substitutes high in potassium.
  • Use spices and herbs to flavor food in cooking and at the table.

Choose fruits and vegetables that are lower in potassium.

Have very small portions of foods that are higher in potassium, like one slice of tomato on a sandwich.

Fruits lower in potassium (200mg or less)

  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Watermelon
  • Berries
  • Cranberry juice
  • Fruit cocktail
  • Grapes/juice
  • Plums
  • Rhubarb
  • Apples/juice
  • Apricots (canned)
  • Mangoes
  • Tangerines
  • Lemons/limes
  • Pineapple
  • Peaches

Fruits higher in potassium (more than 200mg)

  • Kiwi
  • Dates
  • Prunes/juice
  • Apricots - fresh
  • Oranges/juice
  • Raisins and other dried fruit
  • Nectarines
  • Bananasu
  • Cantaloupe
  • Honeydew
  • Pomegranate/juice
A serving of fruit is one small piece; ½ cup fresh or canned fruit; ¼ cup dried fruit; or ½ cup juice.

Vegetables lower in potassium (200mg or less)

  • Broccoli
  • Celery
  • Kale/lettuce
  • Green beans
  • Okra
  • Cabbage
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrots
  • Radish
  • Onions
  • Mushrooms
  • Corn
  • Cauliflower
  • Yellow squash
  • Asparagus
  • Cucumber

Vegetables higher in potassium (more than 200mg)

  • Avocado
  • Broccoli (cooked)
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Potatoes
  • Beets and greens
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Split peas, lentils, and beans
  • Acorn and butternut squash
  • Spinach (cooked)
  • Pumpkin
  • Tomatoes/juice, tomato sauce
  • Vegetable juice
  • Chili pepper
A serving of vegetables is ½ cup fresh or cooked vegetables, 1 cup leafy vegetables, or ½ cup juice.

Note – Potassium levels vary depending on whether a food is fresh, frozen, cooked, or canned.