High Potassium Foods

Potassium or K is a necessary element required by our cells, tissues and organs. It is also important for normal heart function as well for better nervous, digestive and muscular functions. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates as well as proteins, and retains body fluids. It facilitates transmission of nerve impulses as well. The kidneys keep the potassium levels in our body at optimum levels, but kidney malfunctioning, can lead to disturbed levels of the same. Excess of potassium causes hyperkalemia whereas potassium deficiency causes hypokalemia. Sodium, potassium and magnesium work hand-in-hand and thus a proper balanced diet inculcating all the three minerals in right amounts is absolutely a pre requisite. Potassium is naturally present in many foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, legumes and almost all the dairy products. It's good for all age groups; but only in adequate amounts.If you are wondering what are potassium enriched foods, then read on. The foods listed below will explain you the same in a better manner.

Potassium Rich Foods	Potassium	Measure
Potatoes	1081 mg	one large
Spinach	839 mg	half cup cooked
Soya beans	886 mg	one cup
Lentils	731 mg	one cup
Prunes	828 mg	one cup
Apricots	814 mg	ten medium
Beans, baked	752 mg	one cup
Beets	265 mg	one cup
Tomatoes	909 mg	one medium
Squash, winter	896 mg	one cup
Black-eyed peas	690 mg	one cup
Avocado	549-742 mg	half medium
Banana	451 mg	one medium
Cantaloupe	413 mg	half medium
Dates	581 mg	ten
Figs, dried	666 mg	four
Sweet potato	350 mg	one large
Split peas	355 mg	half cup cooked
Lettuce	419 mg	one cup
Mushrooms, cooked	278 mg	ten small
Kiwi fruit	252 mg	one medium
Orange	237 mg	one medium
Papaya	781 mg	one
Peach	797 mg	one medium
Raisins	545 mg	half cup
Peanuts	491 mg	twenty
Pumpkin	253 mg	half cup cooked
Artichoke	425 mg	one cup
Okra	257 mg	one cup
Brussels sprouts	247 mg	half cup cooked
Kidney beans	258 mg	half cup cooked
Lima beans	255 mg	half cup cooked
Yogurt	530 mg	one cup
Honeydew melon	461 mg	one cup
Nectarines	288 mg	one nectarine

Apart from the foods mentioned above, there are many other high potassium foods and drinks which have moderate to little high levels of potassium in them. These are very useful for people suffering from hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in blood). One serving (half cup) of the mentioned items is recommended and is known as low potassium diet. More than one serving, is not advisable, since it risks increase in the potassium levels.

• Fruits: Apples, Apricot, Blueberries, Cranberry, Fig, Grapes, Lemon, Pears, Pineapple, Plums, Raspberries, Watermelon, Blackberries, Cherries, Grapefruit, Oranges, Strawberries, Tangerine, Almonds.
• Vegetables: Alfalfa sprouts, Cauliflower, Carrots, Corn, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Endive, Leeks, Onions, Peppers, Popcorns, Water chestnuts, Turnips, Broccoli, Chickpeas, Kale, Radishes, Celery, Zucchini.
• Starches: Bagel, Pasta, Oatmeal, Rice (white and brown; cooked).
• Fish: Mollusk, Cod, Halibut, Salmon, Trout, Tuna, Sardines, Flounders.
• Dairy Products: White milk, Cottage cheese, Ricotta cheese, Vanilla ice cream, Cheddar cheese, Bread and bread products.
• Meat: Egg, Roasted turkey, Cooked lean beef, Chicken, Pork, Lamb leg.
• Other foods: Chocolate bar, Molasses, Peanut butter, Sunflower seeds.
• Drinks: Apple juice, Coffee, Tea, Milk, Orange juice, Grape juice, Tomato juice, Prune juice.

There are some symptoms that you may come across if the potassium level in the body increases. Here is a list of symptoms and the foods to avoid in case of increase in the level of potassium in the body.

• Irregular heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Disturbance in menstrual cycle
• Muscle spasms
• Bladder infections
• Poor immune system
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Impotency
• Anxiety

In case you have detected high levels of potassium in your blood and show any of the above symptoms, you need to cut down your diet on the following foods.

• Apricots, Avocado, Cantaloupe, Honeydew melon, Tangelos, Artichokes, Butter beans, Potatoes (chips), Sweet potatoes, Tomato paste, Winter squash, Yams, Dried peas and beans, Chocolate candy or beverages, Nuts, Molasses.
• Don't cut down on fruits and vegetables directly, since they contain many other fibers and nutrients. What you need to do is just reduce your serving.
• Consult a dietitian or a doctor and plan your diet accordingly.
• Reduce your salt intake; instead hog on foods containing less amounts of salts.

I hope you have got the necessary information on high potassium foods. Eat the right foods in right amounts and you will stay fit and fine!