Eating on Spironolactone

What foods to avoid... or else 😬

Eating on Spironolactone: A Guide to avoiding kidney disease

Spironolactone is a game-changer for hormonal acne, but it does come with dietary considerations. This medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so managing your potassium intake is crucial to avoid hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). That means being mindful of what you eat can help you get the best results without unwanted side effects.

hyperkalemia can lead to a host of health issues like kidney failure, heart attacks, etc. It’s best to tread very carefully while on Spironolactone.

Foods to Eat on Spironolactone

These foods are safe to enjoy regularly while on spironolactone, as they support clear skin and hormonal balance without raising potassium levels too much:

• Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, white fish, eggs, tofu (in moderation)

• Low-Potassium Vegetables: Cucumber, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, green beans, carrots

• Low-Potassium Fruits: Apples, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, watermelon

• Dairy Alternatives: Oat milk, coconut milk, almond milk (check labels for added potassium)

• Whole Grains: White rice, oats, quinoa, whole wheat bread, pasta

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseeds, walnuts

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Foods to Eat in Moderation

These foods are nutritious but contain moderate amounts of potassium, so strict portion control is key:

• Avocados (high in potassium but packed with healthy fats)

• Nuts & Seeds (limit almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds)

• Sweet Potatoes & Regular Potatoes (consume in very very small portions)

• Tomatoes (moderate potassium, best eaten in controlled amounts)

• Dark Leafy Greens (spinach, kale—opt for lighter greens like iceberg or romaine instead)

• Bananas & Oranges (swap for lower potassium fruits like apples or berries)

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Foods to Avoid

These foods are extremely high in potassium and can disrupt electrolyte balance while on spironolactone:

• Bananas

• Oranges and orange juice

• Coconut water

• Dried fruits (dates, raisins, apricots)

• Beans & legumes (black beans, lentils, chickpeas)

• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard)

• Potatoes (especially baked or mashed)

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Grocery List for Spironolactone-Friendly Eating

Proteins:

• Chicken breast

• Turkey

• White fish (cod, tilapia)

• Eggs

• Firm tofu (small portions)

• Salmon (every once in a while)

Vegetables:

• Cucumber

• Zucchini

• Carrots

• Green beans

• Bell peppers

• Onions

Fruits:

• Apples

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Grapes

• Pineapple

• Watermelon

Dairy & Dairy Alternatives:

• Oat milk (unsweetened)

• Coconut milk

• Almond milk

• Low-fat yogurt (watch for added potassium)

Grains & Carbs:

• White rice

• Quinoa

• Oats

• Whole wheat bread

• Organic pasta

Fats & Oils:

• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

• Flaxseeds

• Walnuts

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Sample Meal Plan for a Week

Monday:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and blueberries

• Lunch: Grilled chicken with quinoa and sautéed zucchini

• Dinner: White fish with rice and roasted bell peppers

• Snack: Apple slices with almond butter (small portion)

Tuesday:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with strawberries and walnuts

• Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap (small avocado portion) with cucumber slices

• Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with carrots and green beans over rice

• Snack: Pineapple chunks

Wednesday:

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola and grapes

• Lunch: Chicken salad with romaine lettuce and olive oil dressing

• Dinner: Baked cod with roasted carrots and quinoa

• Snack: Rice cakes with almond butter

Thursday:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and strawberries

• Lunch: Turkey and zucchini stir-fry over rice

• Dinner: Grilled chicken with sautéed bell peppers and quinoa

• Snack: Blueberries with yogurt

Friday:

• Breakfast: Smoothie with oat milk, pineapple, and flaxseeds

• Lunch: Chicken and cucumber wrap with whole wheat tortilla

• Dinner: Baked salmon with carrots and white rice

• Snack: Apple slices with coconut yogurt

Saturday:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts

• Lunch: Quinoa salad with grilled chicken and olive oil dressing

• Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with zucchini and white rice

• Snack: Rice cakes with almond butter

Sunday:

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola and strawberries

• Lunch: Turkey and cucumber sandwich on whole wheat bread

• Dinner: Grilled white fish with sautéed carrots and quinoa

• Snack: Watermelon slices

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Final Thoughts

Eating while on spironolactone doesn’t have to be super restrictive. Focus on low-potassium, nutrient-rich foods, so you can support your skin while keeping your health balanced. Use this meal plan and grocery list as a starting point to help you navigate your diet safely while reaping all the benefits of Spiro.

I’m also happy to create these on a monthly basis to provide you all with some variety while navigating this new and confusing diet. Just let me know if you guys want that!