Diet Restrictions With Lisinopril

Too much potassium in your diet may increase lisinopril-related hyperkalemia.

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure and to improve survival rates after a heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lisinopril relaxes the muscles in your blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through them more easily.

Side effects of taking lisinopril include the risk of hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by dangerously high potassium levels, and hypotension, or low blood pressure. Avoiding certain foods can help to decrease these risks and protect your heart from further damage.

Restrictions for Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia can occur in people taking lisinopril, especially in those with a history of congestive heart failure or poor kidney function.

To prevent or manage hyperkalemia, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends you limit your consumption of these high-potassium foods:

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Winter squash
• Pumpkin
• Cooked spinach
• Oranges and orange juice
• Nectarines
• Kiwifruit
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew
• Prunes and raisins
• Other dried fruit

If you are on a low-salt eating plan, the AHA recommends avoiding using salt substitutes. The use of potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes containing potassium, or potassium supplements further increases your risk of developing hyperkalemia while taking lisinopril.

The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements recommends a daily intake of 2,600 milligrams (mg) of potassium for women ages 19 and older, and 3,400 mg for men in that same age group.

Consult your doctor to determine the amount of potassium you should consume.

Restrictions for Hypotension

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can affect those taking lisinopril or other blood pressure medications, says the American Heart Association. It may also occur if you have decreased blood volume, dehydration, and low sodium levels.

While doctors often suggest decreasing your sodium intake to prevent hypertension, consuming too little sodium while taking lisinopril may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

You can reduce your risk of developing hypotension by drinking enough water and consuming adequate amounts of sodium. If you become dehydrated, the volume of blood flowing through your veins decreases, causing your blood pressure to drop.

Consult your doctor to determine your ideal sodium consumption. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg a day, with the optimal goal of no more than 1,500 mg a day for most adults.

You can limit your sodium intake by reducing your consumption of high-sodium foods like salt, processed foods, salty snacks, fast foods, ham, sauerkraut, and canned soups, in addition to table salt.

Other Dietary Recommendations

Restricting your calorie and fat intake to a level that allows you to maintain a healthy weight is also helpful to ensure you are getting the most benefits from lisinopril. If you are overweight or have obesity, gradually reduce your calorie intake and start exercising regularly to lose 1 to 2 pounds each week.

Simply reducing your intake of saturated fats quickly reduces your calorie intake and allows you to consume the more nutrient-dense foods your body needs to function optimally. Eliminating processed foods and eating more fiber in the form of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables also helps to protect your heart, according to the American Heart Association.

Considerations

Not everyone taking lisinopril needs to limit potassium, sodium, alcohol, calories, or fat. Those without any other health conditions who currently maintain a healthy weight may need no dietary restrictions. However, dietary changes that naturally protect your heart may be advised. Consult your doctor about what is appropriate in your case.