what foods are rich in potassium?
Sunday, July 11th, 2010 at
9:39 AM
What are the dangers of having a low potassium body content?
Filed under: Potassium Rich
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Foods are rich in potassium:
cantaloupe
Bananas
Oranges
Apricots
Avocado
Strawberries
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chard
Bell pepper
Eggplant
Squash
Crimini mushrooms
Brussels sprouts
Turmeric
Parsley
Spinach
Broccoli
Tuna
Halibut
Potassium is both an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Potassium is also important in how nerves and muscles work.
Many foods are rich in potassium, including scallops, potatoes, figs, bananas, prune juice, orange juice, and squash. A balanced diet has enough potassium for the body’s needs. But potassium is passed in the urine even if the level in the blood is low so the level of potassium in the body can get lower.
A potassium level that is too high or too low can be serious. Abnormal potassium levels may cause symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, irritability, paralysis, and changes in heart rhythm.
I agree with the answer above me. I would just like to add that a relative of mine had issues with low potassium and couldn’t keep the levels high enough by eating enough of the correct foods. After several tests and several trips to the emergency room due to severe symptoms (many of which are listed above….especially the confusion….) The doctors decided to add a prescription potassium supplement tablet to her diet. But the levels had to be monitored every few months to make sure the balance was good.
Top ten foods highest in potassium:
http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/food-sources-of-potassium.php