Expert: Sarah A. Allen, MS, RD - 10/29/2009

Question
i just found out from my doctor that i need to avoid foods high in potassium. i am a 69 year old diabetic. just got a list of foods high in potassium, low in potassium. no meat was mentioned. am i a vegetarian?  
            thanks,
                  marcia

Answer
What a great question, Marcia!  Meats often are ignored in potassium lists.  Meat is sometimes cited as a good source of potassium; however, meat only makes up 10-20% of the potassium consumed in the average western diet.  Potassium also leaches out of food when cooked, so when you are looking at the potassium content of meats they are much higher in potassium in their raw form.  Since not too many people consume raw meat, that is good news.  The best rule of thumb is to consume meat in moderation, 5-7oz per day should be appropriate if there are no underlying health conditions which require you to further limit your protein intake (such as kidney/renal disease).  A good way to measure meat is to think of a deck of cards, which is about the size a 3oz portion of meat is; one large egg is equivalent to an ounce of meat.  Meats that are highest in potassium and should be avoided include processed meats which are canned, salted, smoked, pickled, contain soy fillers, are prepared with tenderizer, or are served in sauce.  Common examples include (but are not limited to) ham, bacon, bologna, hot dogs, sausages, canned fish, and some casseroles.

Good luck adjusting your diet.  Limiting potassium can be a headache but should get easier with time and experience.