Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage made by brewing grain with yeast and hops.
It's usually lower in alcohol than wine and hard liquor and contains some nutrients, like potassium.
But should you drink beer if you suffer from potassium sensitivity or kidney disease?
Table of Contents
Is Beer High or Low in Potassium?
Beer is low in potassium, so those following a low-potassium diet can drink it safely. However, its alcohol content may negatively impact kidney function, so it may not be suitable for people with renal issues.
Don't know which foods are high in potassium? Read our article, 15 Best Food Sources of Potassium. We also have a guide to this important mineral: Potassium 101: All You Need To Know About Potassium.
How Much Potassium Is in Beer?
One can of regular beer contains 96.1 mg of potassium, below the threshold of 200 mg per serving for low-potassium foods. One can of light beer contains slightly less at 74.3 mg and is also lower in calories.
So, you can drink beer on a low-potassium diet, but make sure to do so in moderation.
Is Beer Good for You?
Beer contains some nutrients, including some B vitamins, but not in large amounts.
Some studies show that moderate beer intake can lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and high blood pressure, as alcohol dilates blood vessels.
Heavy drinking, however, can heighten your risk of heart disease and other severe health conditions.
Studies also show that moderate beer consumption may decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Light to moderate alcohol intake may also lower your risk of dementia. However, heavy alcohol consumption may increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
Can You Get Too Much Potassium from Beer?
Drinking a beer won't cause problems for those on a low-potassium diet. However, stick to one as alcohol can cause liver and kidney problems.
If you suffer from kidney issues, it’s best to abstain from alcohol.
Is Non-alcoholic Beer High in Potassium?
A serving of non-alcoholic beer contains around 70 mg of potassium and is lower in calories than regular beer. So, it's a better choice for those with kidney disease or potassium sensitivity.
Is Root Beer High in Potassium?
One can (12 fluid oz) contains just 3.7 mg of potassium, so it's a great drink for those on a low-potassium diet.
Root beer is usually non-alcoholic, so it's better for your health than regular beer even though it only contains trace amounts of calcium, sodium, and manganese.
It's also high in sugar, too much of which increases your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
Beer is safe for those on a low-potassium diet; however, its alcohol content could cause problems for people suffering kidney disease.