Watermelon

Potassium: ModeratePhosphorus: LowerSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Moderate potassium in a typical wedge — and it is mostly water, so it counts heavily against a fluid allowance.

On dialysis: On a fluid restriction, treat watermelon as a drink as much as a food: a big wedge can hold a mugful of water.

A healthier swap

A small cup of berries gives a juicy hit with less potassium and far less fluid.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Why do renal lists say 'limit watermelon to one cup'?

Because the potassium adds up by volume. The National Kidney Foundation lists watermelon among lower-potassium fruits only with a one-cup limit — beyond that, portion turns it into a higher-potassium food.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.