What is potassium and where can I get more of it?

Snipechan

I know you can get it in bananas, but they disagree with my stomach, almost to the point of being some kind of allergic reaction. What other foods can I get potassium from and why exactly is it so important?

regosaki

Bananas!!!!!!! Oooooops sorry



Isn't it in shell fish?

hararayne

I'd just do a google search if I were you...

BoxingChick

potatoes

Snipechan

Also allergic to shellfish.

mamma_nee

Avocado is high in potassium

JesterMFP

Potatoes are great for potassium. Basically, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, nuts, seeds... it's in a lot of stuff.

You can search here: http://nutritiondata.self.com/tools/nutrient-search

FindingMyPerfection

Kiwi has 2x the potassium of a banana for 1/2 the cals

JesterMFP

Oh, and if you're worried about potassium levels after tracking it in your diary, be aware that many of the user-added entries do not have accurate potassium information because it's often not included in the nutritional information on packets. You're probably getting a lot more than you think.

mamma_nee

sweet potato
tomato paste or puree
beet greens
white beans
some yogurts
prunes
carrot juice
black molasses
meaty fish
edamame
spaghetti squash
milk
orange juice

Susann1963

I take a low dose over the counter potassium supplement because of my leg cramps. Works like a charm!

cwolfman13

google high potassium foods...

also, you're probably getting more than you think you are, especially if you eat your fruit and veg. Potassium isn't a requirement on nutritional labels so it often goes unaccounted for in the database.

ScientificExplorerGirl

I know you can get it in bananas, but they disagree with my stomach, almost to the point of being some kind of allergic reaction. What other foods can I get potassium from and why exactly is it so important?

I've been on an all out quest to track my potassium. I tend to retain fluid and potassium/sodium balance is very important for that. If you want, take a look at my food diary over the past few days to see what I have added to get my levels up. If its not viewable just send me a FR and I will add you.

K+ is important for many biological processes. Key for healthy heart, neuronal, and kidney function.

All the best!

Sreneesa

I'd just do a google search if I were you...

this

kimmymayhall

google high potassium foods...

also, you're probably getting more than you think you are, especially if you eat your fruit and veg. Potassium isn't a requirement on nutritional labels so it often goes unaccounted for in the database.

Exactly. Do you actually have potassium deficiency or are you just worried because your micro count on MFP is low? If it's the later you are probably fine. There are lots of "Foods high in ...." lists online.

florentinovillaro

Sources:

I use potassium supplements from GNC.

Importance:

Per University of Maryland:

Potassium is a very important mineral for the proper function of all cells, tissues, and organs in the human body. It is also an electrolyte, a substance that conducts electricity in the body, along with sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. Potassium is crucial to heart function and plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive and muscular function. Many foods contain potassium, including all meats, some types of fish (such as salmon, cod, and flounder), and many fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Dairy products are also good sources of potassium.