How to take in more Potassium?

I had surgery recently and as part of the pre-op blood work, it was determined that my potassium levels were low. Apparently, this can be dangerous when having surgery, so I was prescribed a potassium supplement (prescription). However, I was also told that too much potassium can be toxic, which might be the reason that you can't get a really high dosage OTC.

I had surgery recently and as part of the pre-op blood work, it was determined that my potassium levels were low. Apparently, this can be dangerous when having surgery, so I was prescribed a potassium supplement (prescription). However, I was also told that too much potassium can be toxic, which might be the reason that you can't get a really high dosage OTC.

Indeed. The drug used in lethal injections is potassium chloride - the exact same thing that sodium-free salts (like No Salt) are made of. In large doses potassium interferes with nerve conduction and kills by stopping the heart from beating.

I need extra potassium because I am on blood pressure medication. The best sources I've found are sweet potatoes, orange juice and raspberries. I know, I know - you shouldn't drink your calories. If one more nutrition "expert" tells me that, I'm going to punch her or him. I drink Trop 50 Calcium and vitamin D. 50 calories for an 8 ounce glass and 450 mg of potassium.

Nearly all fruits and most vegetables are good sources, so you don't have to eat sweet potatoes and raspberries every day.

For lunch, I make a salad with romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and mushrooms, and it gives me 986 mg of potassium.

Tomato soup has a lot per cup, and you can slurp it down pretty quick. I had a potassium deficiency once that wouldn't quit. Finally I figured out I wasn't getting enough magnesium so I couldn't hold onto it (and magnesium is tough to measure with a simple blood test.) Once I took magnesium, everything resolved itself pretty quick. So I think potassium is pretty easy to get in your diet, you just have to mind your other electrolytes.

Coconut Water, Cantaloupe, Papaya, Avocados ...

yep...I knew about the dangers of supplementing, that's why I only wanted to get it from whole foods. Good to know that it's not listed on foods because MFP had me worried there for a while :laugh: :blushing:

I stole this off the web but thought it had some interesting info:

Although the symbol for potassium on the periodic table of elements is a K, potassium is not the same as vitamin K. Both are essential micronutrients, but potassium is a mineral, not a vitamin, and has different functions in the body than vitamin K. While some foods contain both of these nutrients, the major sources for potassium and vitamin K are also different.

Potassium is an electrolyte, meaning it helps conduct electricity through your body, enabling muscle contraction and helping to keep your heart beating properly. It counteracts the effects of sodium, helping you maintain normal blood pressure levels. Potassium also plays a role in digestion and building proteins, and helps maintain the proper balance between acids and bases in the body.

Many foods contain potassium, so it isn't common for people to be deficient in potassium unless they suffer from certain health problems -- although not everyone consumes the recommended dietary allowance for adults of 4,700 milligrams per day. Some of the better sources of potassium include citrus juices, bananas, tomatoes, cantaloupes, avocados, potatoes, lima beans, meat, poultry, cod, flounder and salmon. Dairy products contain potassium, as do nuts, kiwi fruit, apricots, prunes, peas, broccoli, winter squash, sweet potatoes and soy products.

The main function of vitamin K is helping your blood to clot. However, this isn't the only role this vitamin plays in the body. It also helps to keep your bones strong, limiting your risk for fractures as you get older. Some medications, including cholesterol medications and antibiotics, can interfere with vitamin K absorption, and vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners, so speak with your doctor before taking vitamin K supplements to find out whether they are safe or necessary for you.

The best sources of vitamin K are green vegetables, since the chlorophyll that makes the vegetables green provides vitamin K. Green leafy vegetables are very high in this vitamin, but it is also found in green tea, beef liver, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, meat, fish, eggs, vegetable oils and cereals. Bacteria in your digestive tract also make small amounts of vitamin K, but not enough to supply all of your vitamin K needs. Women should consume at least 90 micrograms per day, and men should consume 120 micrograms per day.

With all of this said and like others have repeated, potassium is often not listed on labels or in the food base but that doesn't mean it isn't there. It is not required that they list it on labels so often it is not. Unless you are having health issues, you are probably fine with your potassium intake as is with a balanced diet. Go see your doctor and get a blood test to determine if you are potassium deficient before thinking about supplementing.

I take mine all natural,

Watermelon, fish, chicken, avocados, cantaloupe, Mrs. Dash seasoning, zucchini, etc.

When I started logging food at MFP I became obsessed with my potassium intake. It was the only micro I consistently wasn't reaching recommended levels. Then I had some blood work done and my potassium was safely within the recommended range. I'm guessing that I'm taking in a lot of "hidden" potassium due to it not being required on the label. Either that or the recommended allowance is out of whack.