If you have kidney disease, you may have been advised to limit potassium intake to avoid high potassium in your blood. When your doctor hands you a list of “high potassium foods,” your heart sinks - potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, oranges. But these are what you eat every day. So what can you eat then? This is where KNI's Low Potassium Food List can come in handy!

Good news – you still have MANY food options to enjoy! Let’s dive into all things potassium.

Low potassium foods to illustrate content of our low potassium food list

Is potassium bad for the kidneys?

Potassium is an electrolyte and mineral involved in electrical conductivity, nerve and muscle function, as well as blood pressure control in the body.

Kidneys play a crucial role in regulating potassium levels in the body. They are like filters in charge of removing excess potassium from the blood. Kidney disease leads to reduced kidney function, which reduces the removal of excess potassium. As a result, potassium can build up in the blood, leading to high potassium or hyperkalemia.

Excess potassium does not harm the kidneys, BUT it still is a serious and dangerous condition. It can cause serious complications such as irregular heart rhythms, muscle weakness, and even heart attack.

As such, some people with kidney disease are advised to limit potassium intake from foods. Learn more about high potassium foods to limit with kidney disease here!

However, when many of your favorite foods are off the list, you may feel restricted or deprived. We see you. And that is exactly why we have developed our Low Potassium Food List for Kidney Health.

Please note: potassium restriction is NOT for everybody. Many people with kidney disease may actually benefit from more potassium intake. Unsure if you should limit your potassium? Book a call with your KNI dietitian and clarify your nutrition strategies today!

Woman eating low potassium berries to illustrate content of our low potassium food list

Find freedom with low potassium foods for kidney patients

Instead of focusing on what to avoid, we always tell our patients to focus on foods you CAN enjoy! This means, build your meals with foods that are low in potassium. These include:

  1. Berries
  2. Apples, applesauce, or apple juice
  3. Pineapples
  4. Lettuce, kale, raw spinach and other salad greens
  5. cabbage
  6. Onions
  7. Bell peppers
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Almond milk or rice milk
  10. Chickpeas – rinse under running water to remove sodium and excess potassium

And many more!! We have you covered with this handy, colorful guide to hang on your bridge or bring with you to the grocery store. Download KNI’s Low Potassium Food List PDF for Kidney Health below!

Low potassium meal examples

Low potassium foods are delicious and versatile, making it easier to stick to your kidney-friendly diet. Here are some of our favorite low potassium recipes for kidney patients, made with ingredients from KNI’s Low Potassium Food List:

  1. Lemony Kale and Chickpea Salad – easy to put together, with a small portion of avocado for creaminess and pumpkin seeds for crunch
  2. Roasted Red Pepper Soup – so good you won’t miss tomato soup
  3. Alkaline Green Power Smoothie - introducing the combination of kale, apples, and rice milk for a low potassium green smoothie
lemony kale and chickpea salad - low potassium and delicious

Incorporating YOUR favorite meals in your low potassium diet

Working with a dietitian will allow you to personalize your nutrition recommendations and meal plans according to your needs and preferences. One crucial skill we teach our patients is how to modify meals to meet their needs for health. For some people that may be learning how much potassium they can actually have.

Looking for your nutrition guidance tailored to your specific needs? Book a free discovery call with a KNI dietitian and begin your kidney health journey today!