Info on Potassium

Potassium is an element, as well as an electrolyte that is very essential for the body's growth and maintenance. It is absolutely necessary to keep a normal and precise water balance between the cells and body fluids. Potassium also plays a crucial role in the response of nerves to stimulation and in the contraction of all muscles.

Some people with heart failure need to eat foods high in potassium. Potassium helps maintain the normal function of the heart and nervous system. Many people with heart failure take a diuretic to help their kidneys make more urine and get rid of excess fluid. This can cause potassium loss. A potassium deficiency due to increased urinary loss often occurs when medication for certain heart diseases is used to prevent sodium and water retention. To overcome this loss, physicians often suggest eating more foods high in potassium. More potassium may be prescribed as a medicine.

Doctors sometimes prescribe a potassium supplements and recommend eating more potassium-rich foods such as:

· Dried fruits: raisins, prunes, apricots, dates
· Fresh fruits: bananas, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges
· Fresh vegetables: beets, greens, spinach, peas, tomatoes, mushrooms
· Dried vegetables: beans, peas
· Fresh meats: turkey, fish, beef
· Fresh juices: orange
· Canned juices: grapefruit, prune, apricot

Note:
Some foods that are high in potassium are also high in calories. When weight control is important, be sure to eat more low-calorie foods, such as, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products that are high in potassium and calcium and low on the caloric end.