People with chronic kidney disease may sometimes need to monitor how much potassium they consume.
Healthy kidneys help remove excess potassium from the blood. When kidney function is reduced, potassium can build up, and very high blood potassium levels can become dangerous because they may affect the heart and muscles.
Cucumbers contain potassium, although they are not among the highest-potassium vegetables. The National Kidney Foundation lists cucumber among vegetables that can be included in lower-potassium choices, depending on portion and preparation.
That means most people with kidney disease do not automatically have to eliminate cucumbers.
However, if your doctor or renal dietitian has told you to restrict potassium, your portion size and overall diet matter. Your needs can change depending on your kidney function, blood potassium level, dialysis status, medications and other foods you eat.