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
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)
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)
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
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
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!