Mineral and Electrolyte Management - Potassium

Nancy McDaniel M.D.

Potassium in your child's blood may become high or low from medications.

Some medications, like cyclosporine, may make your child hold on to potassium, while some diuretics, like Lasix, may make the child lose potassium. Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium and should be avoided or limited in the diet in the event that high blood potassium are a problem. The following are some examples of fruits and vegetables to avoid, which are high in potassium:

Fruits to Avoid

  • Apricots
  • Avocado
  • Banana
  • Cantaloupe
  • Dried fruits
  • Honeydew melon
  • Kiwi
  • Nectarines
  • Oranges
  • Papayas
  • Prunes

Vegetables to Avoid

  • Broccoli
  • Dried Beans
  • Greens (collard, spinach)
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkin
  • Squash
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Tomato juice
  • V-8 Juice

Vegetables such as broccoli, greens or potatoes can be leached to reduce their potassium content:

  • Peel fresh vegetables and cut into thin strips. Thaw and drain frozen vegetables.
  • Soak in hot tap water for 2 hours or in cold water overnight.
  • Drain, rinse and drain again.
  • Cover with fresh water, boil for 5 minutes, simmer until done.
  • Drain well and serve (boiled, french fried, home fried, or mashed) or freeze for later.

Milk, buttermilk, yogurt or milk products contain high levels of potassium. If you need to limit your child's potassium, then limit milk to 1 cup per day.