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Q: My husband's potassium level is high. What foods should he avoid?

A: Your husband's potassium level in his blood may be high for several reasons. It could be due to a heart or kidney problem, or it could be due to a type of blood pressure medication he takes, among other things.

If he has this high potassium evaluated and his health-care provider encourages him to limit his potassium from foods, be aware that the following are high in potassium:

• milk and dairy foods
• dried beans
• tomatoes
• potatoes
• melons
• citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• bananas

It's important to monitor his blood potassium level as recommended by your physician and to adjust your meal plan to include more foods lower in potassium. Ask his doctor or registered dietitian for a list of high- and low-potassium foods.

Madhu Gadia, M.S., R.D., is a certified diabetes educator.