With hypokalemia, potassium levels in the blood are too low. Potassium is essential for muscle and heart function. Potassium-rich foods can help raise levels. Here you can see which foods are classified as suitable or unsuitable with hypokalemia.
With Hypokalemia, 211 foods are currently allowed and 57 foods are not recommended. Check all foods in the interactive tool above.
Potassium-rich foods are beneficial: bananas, potatoes, avocados, legumes (lentils, beans), nuts, dried fruits (apricots, dates), tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and whole grains. These help raise potassium levels.
Low in potassium are mainly highly processed foods made from white flour and refined starch: white bread, pasta from white flour, polished rice, soft drinks, and sugary beverages. These contribute little to potassium intake.
Common causes are increased potassium losses through vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics (water tablets), or heavy sweating, as well as insufficient intake with a one-sided diet. Severe potassium deficiency may require medical treatment.
With mild potassium deficiency, a potassium-rich diet may be sufficient. With severe deficiency (potassium below 3 mmol/l), cardiac arrhythmias, or severe muscle weakness, medical treatment is required, as oral supplements or intravenous potassium may be needed.
Very potassium-rich are bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, avocado, salmon, white beans, dried fruit, tomato juice, and coconut water. 3500-4700 mg potassium daily is the recommended intake.
Mild potassium deficiency can be corrected through potassium-rich diet. For more severe deficiency or when medications are the cause, medically prescribed supplementation may be necessary. Self-administration of potassium supplements is risky.