Chicken and turkey are the best meat choices, but you'll still need to watch portion size. One chicken thigh or drumstick has 130 to 165 milligrams of potassium. One-half chicken breast has 220 milligrams and 3 ounces of turkey range from 244 to 256 milligrams.
In short, most meats, fish, and seafood are considered high in potassium. Some of the lowest potassium meats are clams, oysters, and tuna. Chicken and turkey aren't considered low potassium meats, but they are lower than other types of meats.
Red meat. Some types of protein may be harder for the kidneys, or the body in general, to process. These include red meat.
Most meats add some potassium to your meals. Chicken breast has the most per 3-ounce serving with 332 milligrams, but beef and turkey breast contain 315 and 212 milligrams, respectively.
Meat and fish contain a moderate amount of potassium. However because they are an important source of protein, they are not restricted on a low potassium diet. Avoid adding fruit or nuts to main dishes.
Boiling potatoes and vegetables will reduce their potassium content as some of the potassium leaks into the cooking water. Potatoes that have been par-boiled (partly cooked by boiling) can then be fried, roasted or added to casseroles if desired. Try not to use cooking water to make gravy, stocks or soups.
Low-Potassium Protein Foods
A 1-ounce serving of broiled salmon supplies 106 milligrams of potassium, while 2 ounces of lean beef gives you 150 milligrams. Other protein options that fall into the lower-potassium range include: 1/4 cup of lentils. 1/2 cup of soy or cow's milk.
Traditionally, white bread was recommended for people with kidney disease because it has less potassium and phosphorus.
Foods to limit or avoid
bananas. avocados. raisins. prunes and prune juice.
Popular fish like salmon, mackerel, halibut, tuna and snapper all have more than 400 milligrams of potassium in a 3-ounce filet.
Fresh or frozen red meats without breading, marinades or sauce are better choices for a kidney diet. On average, fresh meat contains 65 mg of phosphorus per ounce and 7 grams of protein per ounce. Seafood is an excellent source of low-fat, high-quality protein.
Protein: Most animal and plant-based protein are high in potassium. However, you need to include some protein in your diet. Choose lower-potassium options or have smaller portions of high-potassium sources. Egg whites are one lower-potassium option.
Loading up on pasta and rice may not be something many diet books recommend, but both are pretty low on potassium. They contain between 30 and 50 mg per half-cup.
Medium-potassium foods (50 to 200 mg per serving):
½ cup of fresh or cooked carrots (180)
Chocolate and nuts contain high amounts of phosphorus and potassium.
Examples of low potassium desserts include sugar cookies, graham crackers, cheesecake, angel food, spice, or lemon cake. High potassium desserts include dark chocolate and some fruit desserts, like sweet potato pie.
While not considered a high potassium food, the potassium in cheese should absolutely be made aware. On average, one ounce of cheese will provide about 35 milligrams of potassium. The cheese with the most potassium is processed cheese (like the cheese-in-a-can products).
Dairy products like milk and milk-based yogurts are high in potassium, and the lower the fat content, the higher the potassium level. For example, skim milk contains 381 mg per cup, while 1% milk contains 366 mg.
Low potassium vegetables include cilantro, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, arugula, kale, Napa cabbage, leeks, spaghetti squash, sweet onions, eggplant, and more. For more low potassium vegetable ideas, see the complete ranking of over 200 vegetables low in potassium.
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)