Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by excessive potassium levels in the blood, typically caused by kidney disease or over-consumption of potassium-rich foods. Although potassium is an essential nutrient, excessive potassium can lead to several negative consequences, including chest pain, weakened muscles, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Alongside proper therapy, a healthy lifestyle and carefully curated meals can help alleviate hyperkalemia effects. Look at some foods that are a no-no for individuals with hyperkalemia.

Potassium-rich fruits
Several fruits contain high potassium levels, with bananas containing the highest potassium content. An average banana has about 450 mg of potassium; thus, consuming one banana every day can contribute to hyperkalemia symptoms in individuals suffering from the condition. Other high-potassium fruits include avocados, papayas, apricots, oranges, cantaloupes, and mangoes. It helps to replace high-potassium fruits with those low in potassium, such as apples, raspberries, blueberries, red grapes, and pineapples.

Potatoes
Potatoes are rich sources of potassium, mainly when consumed with the skin. A medium baked potato contains 941 mg of potassium, which can be generally nutritious but unhealthy for individuals diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Sweet potatoes also contain almost equal potassium concentrations, with one sweet potato consisting of 700 mg of the nutrient. It helps to avoid potatoes and their variants to regulate potassium levels in the body.

Spinach
One cup of cooked spinach contains around 839 mg of potassium, which can aggravate kidney problems and hyperkalemia symptoms. Thus, patients with hyperkalemia should avoid spinach, particularly cooked. A bowl of raw spinach has 167 mg of potassium, which is lesser than the quantity in cooked spinach; however, even this quantity can impede speedy recovery from the condition if consumed in large amounts. It is advisable to replace spinach with other leafy vegetables low in potassium, such as raw lettuce, cooked napa cabbage, raw green cabbage, collard greens, and leek greens.

Dried fruits & nuts
Although dried fruits and nuts typically do not contain high potassium levels, some dried fruits — including prunes, dates, and raisins — and some nuts and seeds like sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, and watermelon seeds are rich in potassium. Hyperkalemia patients should avoid them to alleviate symptoms. Instead, try incorporating low-potassium nuts and dried fruits, such as macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, walnuts, and cashews.

Coconut water
A cup of store-bought coconut water contains 470 mg of potassium, making it one of the most potassium-dense electrolytes.