5 Best Foods for Lowering Potassium Levels

Certain health problems, like chronic kidney disease, can increase the potassium levels in your blood. This medical condition is called hyperkalemia and it can affect your heart and overall health.  

There are treatments for hyperkalemia. But your healthcare team may also recommend natural ways to lower your potassium levels. One way to naturally lower your potassium level is to follow a low-potassium diet.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some low-potassium foods that can help you lower your potassium levels and keep levels within your target goal. 

Can certain foods lower your potassium levels?

Yes, eating certain foods can lower your potassium levels. Certain foods can also help you keep your potassium levels within a healthy range.  

But it’s important to know that you don’t want to lower your potassium levels too much. Low potassium levels — or hypokalemia — take a serious toll on your health. 

Experts also point out that cutting out all high-potassium foods can come with drawbacks, even for people with chronic kidney disease. Many high-potassium foods are often high in fiber. A diet high in fiber is linked to many health benefits, including improved heart health. High-potassium foods may also help lower blood pressure, which can also improve heart health. 

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So it’s important to work with your healthcare team and a registered dietitian to make sure you’re getting the right amount of potassium in your diet each day. Experts recommend avoiding certain high-potassium foods over others. For example, you want to avoid animal products or ultraprocessed foods that are high in potassium instead of avoiding high-potassium plant-based foods. 

Your registered dietitian can help you choose which foods are best to limit so you can reach your goals. But as a starting point, here are five low-potassium foods to think about.

1. Berries

Many fresh berries are naturally low in potassium, including:

• Blackberries

• Blueberries

• Cranberries

• Raspberries

• Strawberries

Berries are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins and they’re high in fiber. Blackberries and strawberries have a low glycemic index, making them a great snack if you have diabetes or are trying to manage your blood sugar. Blackberries and strawberries also contain more protein than other types of berries. 

2. Leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are also naturally low in fiber. Some examples include: 

• Cabbage 

• Kale

• Romain lettuce

• Watercress

These leafy greens are also high in nutrients and fiber, which can benefit your heart and gut health. But, keep in mind that not all green leafy vegetables are low-potassium foods. Spinach, bok choy, and collard greens are high-potassium foods. Cooking can also affect a vegetable’s potassium content. Your registered dietitian can help you choose the best leafy greens and give recommendations on how to prepare them.   

3. Tofu

Tofu is a minimally processed product made from soy. Tofu is naturally low in potassium and phosphorus, making it a good choice for many people with chronic kidney disease.

It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein and can be an excellent substitute for meat and animal-based protein sources. Tofu also contains fiber and healthy fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which can help keep your heart healthy. There are many ways to prepare and enjoy tofu, too, making it a versatile addition to a low-potassium diet. 

4. Nuts

Some nuts are also low-potassium foods, including:

• Walnuts 

• Pecans 

• Macadamia nuts

Nuts contain vitamins and minerals that can help support your health. Some nuts are also good sources of plant-based protein. Opt for nuts that are roasted and unsalted with no added sugar or flavorings. This will help you avoid extra salt, potassium, and sugar when you enjoy your snack.

5. Eggs

Eggs are rich in protein, minerals, and healthy fats. Raw eggs are also a low-potassium food since a single egg contains only 70 mg of potassium. And if you’re limiting your saturated fat intake, opt for egg whites only, which contain even less potassium. 

But it’s important to know that how you cook your eggs matters. Hard boiling eggs doesn’t change their potassium content. But frying or scrambling your eggs will increase the amount of potassium in a serving size. A single fried egg contains 150 mg of potassium while a single scrambled egg contains 200 mg of potassium.  

Tips to lower your potassium intake

Choosing foods that are naturally lower in potassium is one way to lower your potassium intake. But you can also lower your potassium intake by changing how you prepare your food. Here are some tips.

Leach your vegetables

You can leach high-potassium vegetables before eating them to pull out some of their potassium. Here’s how to leach vegetables:

1. Slice your vegetable into ⅛ inch-thick slices.

2. Rinse slices in warm water for 15 seconds.

3. Soak vegetables in warm unsalted water for 2 hours in a 10 to 1 ratio. (For example, use 10 cups of water for each cup of vegetables.)

4. Rinse under warm water after soaking.

5. Cook vegetables with unsalted water in a 5 to 1 ratio. (For example, use 5 cups of water for every 1 cup of vegetables).

Leaching may allow you to keep eating your favorite vegetables. But remember, leaching doesn’t remove all potassium. Your registered dietitian can help you figure out how much you can safely consume. 

Drain canned fruits and vegetables 

You can lower potassium levels in canned foods before you eat them by draining any liquids and rinsing your food before consuming.

Avoid processed foods

Potassium additives are very common in processed foods. Avoid adding these products to your meals. Some examples include:

• Processed meats

• Premade sauces 

• Processed cheese

• Ready-to-eat foods  

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Jennifer Sample, MD

After a fellowship, Dr. Sample worked as the medical director at the University of Kansas Hospital Poison Center (The University Of Kansas Health System Poison Control Center), which served the state of Kansas for poison exposures. In 2007, she returned to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, as a consultant in clinical pharmacology and medical toxicology.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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