What Is a List of Foods for a Low-Potassium Diet?

Rice, apples, cauliflower, kale and grapes have low levels of potassium, according to the National Kidney Foundation. For people with kidney disease, a low-potassium diet may be necessary to prevent dangerous amounts of potassium from building up in the blood.

Some fruits and vegetables have high levels of potassium, but there are low-potassium alternatives available, reports the National Kidney Foundation. Cherries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple and strawberries are low-potassium foods, as are cucumbers, lettuce, onions, bell peppers and eggplant. Rice, pasta and noodles also have low levels of potassium.

It is permissible to consume several foods and beverages with some restrictions, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If drinking coffee, limit intake to 8 ounces. Tea has a limit of 16 ounces. Pie and cookies are allowed as long as they do not contain nuts, chocolate or high-potassium fruits. Angel food cake is a low-potassium alternative to desserts with high levels of potassium in them.

Someone following a potassium-restricted diet typically has to limit his potassium intake to 2,000 milligrams per day, states the National Kidney Foundation. This makes portion control very important when following a low-potassium diet. One cup of blueberries has 114 milligrams of potassium, according to the World’s Healthiest Foods. Eating two cups of blueberries doubles the potassium content to 228 milligrams, or 11.4 percent of the 2,000-milligrams-per-day limit.