Potassium is a mineral your body needs to work properly. It's a type of electrolyte.
What it does
- helps nerves function and muscles contract;
- keeps your heartbeat regular;
- moves nutrients into cells and waste products out of them;
- in a potassium-rich diet, helps offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.
Where to get it
Many people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink. Good sources include:
| Type of food | Examples |
|---|---|
| Leafy greens | Spinach, collards |
| Fruit from vines | Grapes, blackberries |
| Root vegetables | Carrots, potatoes |
| Citrus fruits | Oranges, grapefruit |
When potassium becomes a problem
Your kidneys keep the amount of potassium in your body in balance. With chronic kidney disease, the kidneys may not remove extra potassium from the blood. Some medicines can also raise potassium levels. In these cases, you may need a special diet that limits potassium.
Sources
Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Potassium," National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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