What to Drink if You Have Hypokalemia? The Best Potassium-Rich Beverages

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, a majority of Americans do not consume enough potassium from their diets, and low potassium, or hypokalemia, can negatively impact health. Knowing what to drink if you have hypokalemia can be an effective way to address this mineral deficiency and support your overall well-being.

Quick Summary

This guide covers potassium-rich beverages such as juices, milks, and coconut water. It also details which drinks to avoid, offering a comprehensive look at how to manage hypokalemia through dietary fluid choices.

Key Points

Increase Potassium with Specific Juices: Drink prune, tomato, carrot, and orange juice to increase potassium levels. Opt for 100% juice without added sugars.
Choose Coconut Water for Electrolytes: Natural coconut water is rich in potassium and a great low-sugar alternative to rehydrate, especially after exercise.
Incorporate Dairy and Plant-Based Milks: Cow's milk and soy milk are good sources of potassium and can be easily added to your daily diet.
Limit Certain Beverages: Reduce consumption of excessive coffee, alcohol, and high-sugar sports drinks, as they can hinder proper electrolyte balance.
Consult a Doctor Before Making Changes: Always seek medical advice before significantly changing your diet to treat hypokalemia, particularly if you have kidney or other health issues.
Homemade Drinks Offer Control: Making your own smoothies and juices from whole foods allows you to control ingredients and maximize potassium content.

Understanding Hypokalemia and the Role of Fluids

Hypokalemia, or a potassium deficiency, occurs when potassium levels in the blood are too low. Potassium is a vital electrolyte that helps maintain normal cell function, regulate the heartbeat, and support muscle and nerve health. While diet is the primary way to get potassium, a sudden drop due to illness, strenuous exercise, or certain medications can be addressed through fluid intake. Choosing the right drinks can be a quick and effective way to help restore balance.

Top Drinks for Increasing Potassium

Incorporating specific, potassium-rich beverages into your diet can aid in managing hypokalemia. These options offer a significant boost of the essential mineral and can be easily integrated into daily life.

1. Orange Juice: A single cup of orange juice provides a substantial amount of potassium and is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. For the highest benefit, opt for 100% pure orange juice with no added sugar.

2. Tomato Juice: A cup of canned tomato juice is another excellent source of potassium and other nutrients. It's a flavorful option that can also be used as a base for soups and stews. Be mindful of sodium content and choose low-sodium versions where possible.

3. Coconut Water: Often referred to as nature's sports drink, coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes, especially potassium. One cup can provide a significant amount of the daily value. It is particularly beneficial for rehydrating after physical activity that leads to excessive sweating.

4. Prune Juice: For those who need a high-potassium concentration, prune juice is a powerful choice. One cup contains a very high dose of potassium and is also known for its high fiber content.

5. Milk (Dairy and Non-Dairy): Both cow's milk and certain non-dairy alternatives like soy milk are good sources of potassium. A cup of 1% cow's milk contains a respectable amount, and soy milk also offers this mineral along with other electrolytes.

6. Vegetable Juices: In addition to tomato juice, other vegetable juices like carrot juice and mixed vegetable blends can provide a powerful potassium boost. One cup of carrot juice contains a significant amount of the mineral.

The Importance of Moderation and Medical Consultation

While increasing your potassium intake through beverages can be helpful for hypokalemia, it is crucial to do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional. For individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, consuming too much potassium can be dangerous. Your doctor can determine the right balance for your specific health needs.

Comparison of High-Potassium Beverages


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Potassium (mg)	Notes
Prune Juice	1 cup	707	High fiber, strong flavor.
Carrot Juice	1 cup	689	Excellent source of Vitamin A.
Coconut Water	1 cup	600	Great for post-exercise rehydration.
Tomato Juice	1 cup	556	Opt for low-sodium versions.
Orange Juice	1 cup	496	Rich in Vitamin C.
1% Milk	1 cup	366	Contains calcium and other nutrients.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid with Hypokalemia

While some drinks are beneficial, others offer very little potassium or contain ingredients that could be counterproductive. Drinks high in added sugars, caffeine, or certain alcohol types should be limited or avoided. Always check labels to identify potential additives.

High-Sugar Juices and Smoothies: Concentrated fruit juices and sugary smoothies can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes and may not offer the same nutritional benefits as their whole-food counterparts.
Excessive Coffee and Alcohol: High consumption of these can lead to increased urination, which may further deplete potassium levels.
Standard Sports Drinks: Many conventional sports drinks are designed primarily for sodium and carbohydrate replacement, not for a significant potassium boost. Natural alternatives like coconut water are often better for restoring potassium.

Creating Your Own Potassium-Boosting Drinks

For more control over your ingredients, you can make your own potassium-rich beverages at home. A simple blender can transform whole foods into nutrient-dense drinks. For example, a smoothie with a medium banana, spinach, and milk offers a powerful combination of potassium from multiple sources. You can also juice carrots and other potassium-rich vegetables for a fresh, concentrated drink. Another option is a DIY electrolyte blend using coconut water, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to optimize hydration and mineral intake. For further guidance and recipes, consult resources like the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Kitchen for specific low-salt recipes suitable for kidney patients and others monitoring their potassium intake.

Conclusion

Addressing hypokalemia is a crucial step towards maintaining overall health. By being mindful of your fluid intake, you can effectively supplement your diet with potassium-rich drinks like tomato juice, coconut water, and orange juice. Always discuss any significant dietary changes with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Combining these smart fluid choices with a balanced diet can help restore healthy potassium levels and support your body's essential functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a significant boost of potassium, prune juice is one of the richest sources, with carrot and tomato juice also providing a high concentration. Orange juice is another reliable and common option.

Yes, coconut water is an excellent choice for low potassium due to its natural richness in electrolytes, especially potassium. It's an effective way to rehydrate and replenish minerals.

Yes, milk is a good source of potassium. A cup of 1% cow's milk contains a solid amount of potassium, as do some non-dairy alternatives like soy milk.

You should limit or avoid excessive coffee and alcohol consumption, as these can contribute to fluid loss. High-sugar fruit juices and smoothies should also be consumed in moderation.

Standard sports drinks are typically high in sodium and sugar and often contain only small amounts of potassium. For restoring potassium, natural options like coconut water or a homemade electrolyte drink are often more effective.

While consuming potassium-rich drinks can provide a quick boost, the effect depends on the severity of the deficiency and other factors. It's best to use them as part of a balanced diet under medical supervision rather than for an immediate crisis.

Yes, overconsumption of potassium can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous, especially for people with kidney disease. Always follow a doctor's recommendations for managing potassium levels.