What to Drink to Lower High Potassium Naturally?

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Hyperkalemia, or high potassium, affects a significant number of individuals with kidney disease. Making the right fluid choices is crucial, and knowing what to drink to lower high potassium can greatly help in managing the condition safely.

Quick Summary

This article explores appropriate beverages for handling high potassium levels, including low-potassium options and those to avoid. It discusses the importance of proper hydration. This guide offers practical information for managing hyperkalemia through diet.

Key Points

Prioritize Low-Potassium Fluids: Focus on beverages like plain water, rice milk, and herbal teas to help manage high potassium levels.
Avoid High-Potassium Drinks: Steer clear of fluids with high potassium content, such as fruit juices, vegetable juices, coconut water, and malted drinks.
Limit Cow's Milk and Coffee: Restrict intake of cow's milk and limit coffee consumption, as both can be significant sources of potassium.
Be Mindful of Canned Liquids: When using canned fruits or vegetables, always drain and rinse them, as the canning liquid often contains high levels of potassium.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Never rely on dietary changes alone for managing high potassium; always work with a doctor or dietitian for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Understanding Dietary Impact on Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium, is a serious concern, especially for those with chronic kidney disease. The kidneys usually filter excess potassium, but impaired kidney function can cause potassium levels to rise. Dietary changes support medication. For individuals with high potassium, focusing on low-potassium fluids is key.

Drinks to Incorporate for Lower Potassium

Informed beverage choices are essential for maintaining healthy potassium levels. The best drink options for people managing hyperkalemia include:

Water: It is potassium-free and crucial for overall health. Adequate hydration can help kidneys function more efficiently, aiding in flushing out waste and excess minerals.
Herbal Tea: Most herbal teas are low in potassium and offer a flavorful alternative. Peppermint, chamomile, and ginger tea are excellent choices. Black tea is generally low in potassium, though intake should be monitored.
Rice or Oat Milk: These dairy-free options are usually low in potassium, especially compared to cow's milk. They can be freely enjoyed as part of a low-potassium diet.
Diluted Squash or Cordial: When mixed with water, most fruit squashes and cordials provide a low-potassium, flavorful drink. Opt for sugar-free or diet versions to avoid excess sugar.
Clear Carbonated Drinks: Fizzy drinks like lemonade or sparkling water are generally low in potassium and can be consumed in moderation. Always check the nutrition labels, especially for flavored varieties, to ensure no high-potassium additives have been included.
Weak Coffee: Limiting coffee to one small cup a day can be acceptable for some individuals. It's important to discuss this with a healthcare provider, as individual tolerance can vary.

Drinks to Avoid if You Have High Potassium

Knowing what to avoid is just as important. Limiting or eliminating these fluids can help manage high potassium levels:

Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Many fruit juices, including orange, prune, carrot, and pomegranate juice, are very high in potassium. Vegetable juices, particularly tomato juice, should also be avoided.
Coconut Water: Coconut water is extremely high in potassium and should be strictly avoided by those with hyperkalemia.
Milkshakes and Malted Drinks: Drinks containing large amounts of milk, such as milkshakes and malted beverages, are high in potassium and should be limited.
Sports Drinks: Many sports drinks contain electrolytes, including potassium. These are not suitable for individuals with high potassium.
Certain Alcoholic Beverages: Some alcoholic drinks, like cider and strong ales, are high in potassium and should be avoided. Wines and beers should also be limited or avoided depending on advice from your doctor.

Comparison of Low-Potassium vs. High-Potassium Drinks


Drink Type	Low-Potassium Choices	High-Potassium Choices (Limit/Avoid)
Water & Bases	Plain water, Sparkling water	Coconut water
Teas & Infusions	Most herbal teas (e.g., peppermint, chamomile), Tea (limited)	Strong brewed coffee, Hot chocolate, Malted drinks
Juices & Squashes	Diluted fruit squash/cordial, Apple juice, Pineapple juice	Orange juice, Prune juice, Tomato juice, Pomegranate juice, Vegetable juices, Smoothies
Milk & Alternatives	Rice milk, Oat milk	Cow's milk (limit to ½ pint daily), Soy milk, Evaporated milk, Condensed milk
Alcohol	Clear spirits (in moderation)	Cider, Stout, Strong ales

Cooking Methods to Reduce Potassium in Foods

Food preparation can affect potassium levels. Since potassium is water-soluble, boiling and discarding the water can help reduce the potassium content. Draining and rinsing canned vegetables removes excess potassium. Always speak with a dietitian or doctor to create a dietary plan that is right for you.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Making conscious choices about what to drink is a practical way to manage high potassium levels, especially with impaired kidney function. Prioritizing low-potassium fluids such as water and milk alternatives while limiting high-potassium beverages like fruit juices can support your health. Dietary changes are not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain water is the best drink for high potassium, as it is naturally potassium-free and helps your kidneys flush out excess minerals. Other safe options include diluted fruit squash, rice milk, and most herbal teas.

Drinking more water can assist the kidneys in flushing out waste, but it is not a complete solution for high potassium. Excessive water intake without other changes can be ineffective and potentially dangerous. Always follow your doctor's advice on fluid intake.

You should completely avoid drinks like coconut water, sports drinks, and fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., orange, prune, carrot, tomato) because they are very high in potassium. Malted milk drinks and excessive coffee should also be avoided.

Coffee should be limited if you have high potassium. Many dietary guidelines suggest limiting intake to one small cup per day to help manage potassium levels. However, it's best to discuss this with your doctor, as individual restrictions can vary.

Cow's milk is relatively high in potassium and should be limited. Many dietary guidelines for hyperkalemia suggest limiting milk intake to about half a pint per day. Low-potassium alternatives like rice milk or oat milk are often recommended.

Most diet or sugar-free fizzy drinks and cordials are considered low in potassium and are generally safe to drink. However, you should still read the nutrition label to ensure no potassium additives are present.

To check if a packaged drink is high in potassium, read the nutrition facts label carefully. Look for the potassium content per serving. For individuals on a low-potassium diet, a serving should ideally contain less than 200 mg of potassium.