Potassium and phosphorus are very important minerals for your overall health.
But if you’re dealing with kidney issues, kidney stones, or kidney failure, you shouldn’t take in too much of them, as your kidneys can’t remove their excess.
Because of that, it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating and include many low-phosphorus and low-potassium foods.
Luckily, there are many that fit a kidney-friendly diet. Make sure to also read The Best Low Potassium Snacks (Eat This, Not That).
Table of Contents
20 Foods Low in Phosphorus and Potassium
1. Cucumber
- Phosphorus: 19.5 mg
- Potassium: 90.5 mg
Half a cup of sliced peeled cucumber is a great addition to a kidney-friendly diet. While it’s also OK to eat unpeeled cucumber, removing the skin lowers the potassium and phosphorus content.
Cucumbers are made primarily of water, so they contribute to good hydration and help replenish your electrolyte levels.
2. Cabbage
- Phosphorus: 24.8 mg
- Potassium: 196 mg
Half a cup of cooked cabbage is a great serving for people with kidney issues. This veggie is also packed with nutrients, such as vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin K.
Cabbage is also loaded with antioxidants that help flush out harmful free radicals from your body, preventing oxidative stress and damage to your cells.
3. Cauliflower
- Phosphorus: 39.6 mg
- Potassium: 176 mg
Just one cup of cooked cauliflower can be a great side dish for dinners without providing too much phosphorus and potassium.
Cauliflower contains many heart-healthy compounds that lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Eating them can also help you load up on choline, an important compound for your brain.
4. Cherry tomatoes
- Phosphorus: 17.9 mg
- Potassium: 176 mg
Generally, tomatoes are high in potassium, but just half a cup of cherry tomatoes can be a safe addition to a kidney-friendly diet.
All types of tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that reduces your risk of various chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and even cancer.
5. Apples
- Phosphorus: 20 mg
- Potassium: 195 mg
One medium apple is not only low in phosphorus and potassium, but it’s also a great source of fiber.
This type of carb helps feed the ‘good’ gut bacteria in your stomach and improve digestion.
Fiber also helps soak up excess stomach acid, which reduces the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Apples are also high in vitamin C and vitamin B6.
6. Cherries
- Phosphorus: 17 mg
- Potassium: 178 mg
Cherries can be high in potassium, so make sure to limit yourself to just around ten in one serving.
This fruit is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and helps keep your skin healthy.
Cherries are also high in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which has various impressive health benefits, including reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.
7. White rice
- Phosphorus: 33.8 mg
- Potassium: 26.6 mg
A half-cup serving of white rice is not only very low in phosphorus and potassium, but it’s also a quick and easy source of energy.
White rice is less healthy than whole-grain rice, but it has a significantly lower content of these two minerals.
It’s also easy to digest and can be added to a wide variety of dishes and as part of a healthy, balanced meal.
8. Buckwheat grouts
- Phosphorus: 59 mg
- Potassium: 74 mg
If you’re looking for a healthier grain than white rice that’s still low in phosphorus and potassium, try using half a cup of cooked buckwheat grouts instead.
They’re loaded with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Buckwheat grouts also help reduce blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and protect you against cancer.
Depending on the dish you’re making, they can be boiled or roasted and served with veggies.
9. Jams
- Phosphorus: 1.8 mg
- Potassium: 46.2 mg
Three tablespoons of apricot jam can be a great alternative to peanut butter and other nut-based kinds of butter, which are very high in both potassium and phosphorus.
While jams are high in sugar and not very healthy, they can help add flavor to your dishes or sandwiches without adding too much phosphorus and potassium.
10. Egg whites
- Phosphorus: 4.9 mg
- Potassium: 53.8 mg
One large egg white contains very little phosphorus and potassium. It’s also a great natural source of protein, which can be hard to find if you follow a strict low-potassium, low-phosphorus diet.
Egg whites are also low in ‘bad’ cholesterol and fat, which is beneficial for the health of your heart. It’s still OK to consume whole eggs, but make sure to watch the calories from the yolk.
11. Almond milk
- Phosphorus: 23.5 mg
- Potassium: 88 mg
Most dairy products tend to be high in phosphorus, so choosing almond milk and other plant-based alternatives is a good way to go.
A half-cup serving of almond milk is safe for your kidneys and also contains a lot of nutrients that may strengthen your bones and boost your immune system.
In addition, almond milk is a great beverage choice for people who are lactose intolerant or those who follow a vegan diet.
12. Eggplant
- Phosphorus: 14.8 mg
- Potassium: 122 mg
One cup of cooked eggplant is a great veggie choice for a kidney-friendly diet. Eggplant is very rich in vitamins A and C, which act as powerful antioxidants.
These compounds help prevent various chronic health issues, such as type 2 diabetes. Eggplant is also rich in fiber, which helps soak up excess stomach acid, feed the ‘good’ gut bacteria, and improve digestion.
13. Blueberries
- Phosphorus: 17.8 mg
- Potassium: 114 mg
One cup of blueberries is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. In fact, blueberries are often considered to be a superfood due to the powerful plant compounds and nutrients they contain.
These beneficial compounds may lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties.
This is very important as inflammation is the cause of many serious health conditions.
14. Corn
- Phosphorus: 42.9 mg
- Potassium: 137.7 mg
A 3-ounce serving of canned corn provides you with a good dose of vitamin C and folate. These nutrients are not only important for your overall health but are also incredibly beneficial during pregnancy.
Both canned and fresh corn are great sources of fiber, contributing to healthy bowel movements and speedy digestion. Corn is also very easy to add to any diet, especially as it can be tossed into a salad or eaten on its own.
15. Watermelon
- Phosphorus: 16.9 mg
- Potassium: 173 mg
To ensure that you’re not consuming too much potassium from watermelon, stick to just one cup of watermelon balls.
This type of melon is very hydrating and helps you replenish your electrolyte levels.
It also contains powerful plant compounds that have anti-cancer properties and may improve your heart health. Watermelon is also a good source of magnesium, which reduces muscle soreness.
16. Pita
- Phosphorus: 58.2 mg
- Potassium: 72 mg
One large pita can make you feel full after eating due to the carbs and fiber it contains. Make sure to choose plain pita made with white flour, though, as these are low in potassium and phosphorus.
Pita bread is also relatively lower in calories than other bread types. It also contains some essential nutrients that help you stay healthy, such as thiamin, manganese, and calcium, among others.
17. Carrots
- Phosphorus: 23.4 mg
- Potassium: 183 mg
Half a cup of cooked carrots contains a lot of vitamin A. Since it’s a fat-soluble micronutrient, make sure to eat carrots with some source of healthy fats to ensure proper absorption.
Carrots also contain fiber that helps keep your blood sugar levels under control and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
In addition, snacking on raw carrots can help control your appetite and reduce hunger, thus aiding in weight loss.
18. Lemonade
- Phosphorus: 4.9 mg
- Potassium: 37 mg
Just like lemon, lemonade is a great source of hydration and vitamin C. It’s also a safe beverage choice for people dealing with kidney issues.
If you don’t like lemonade, you can also make lemon-infused water at home, which is rich in all the same compounds that lemons contain.
Lemon water also helps flush out toxins from your body and keeps you hydrated.
19. Shrimp
- Phosphorus: 116 mg
- Potassium: 155 mg
A 3-ounce serving of shrimp is slightly higher in potassium and phosphorus, but it’s important to include some high-protein foods in your diet.
Shrimp is very high in protein but low in calories, helping you build lean muscle mass and improve exercise performance.
It’s also rich in selenium, choline, and vitamin B12, which all contribute to cognitive health and improve your focus. So, adding small amounts of shrimp to your diet can be incredibly beneficial.
20. Soft tofu
- Phosphorus: 107 mg
- Potassium: 139 mg
One piece of tofu can be a great alternative to meat protein for vegetarians and vegans. It’s very nutritious and contains anti-inflammatory compounds as well as a lot of antioxidants.
Tofu is also a complete protein. It has a well-balanced amino acid profile containing all essential amino acids.
This is a great benefit as there aren’t many plant-based complete protein options available.
