No potassium in my diet- Is this a problem?

FitspirationIsMotivation
FitspirationIsMotivation Posts: 2
in Food and Nutrition
Hi guys,

I've noticed on the nutrients part of my diet that on most days I'm not taking in either none or a very little amount of potassium compared to my "goal".
Should I be worried about this or does it not really matter?
Thanks for any replies to a rather weird question :)

Replies

  • __Aid__
    __Aid__ Posts: 72 Member
    Most of the food labels don't contain potassium information so people don't enter it

    nothing to worry about unless you have kidney problems
  • AmykinsCatfood
    AmykinsCatfood Posts: 599 Member
    Potassium is important for muscle and nerve function, including cardiac function. A problem I've noticed with a lot of entries on MFP is that people don't bother recording the potassium when they enter a food into the database so you're probably getting a lot more than you think you are. If you're still concerned though a multi-vitamin a day is a good idea.
  • AmandaJCole13
    AmandaJCole13 Posts: 60
    Potassium is important, but as stated before, many labels don't include potassium in things that have it. Potatoes, bananas, beans, milk...they all have a decent amount...and it adds up quick.
  • MissKitty9
    MissKitty9 Posts: 224 Member
    You probably are taking in more potassium than it's saying, only because potassium isn't listed on every food item in the database. So, check that first.

    If you really AREN'T getting any potassium, then yeah, that's not good. You need potassium for healthy heart function, among other things. These goods are high in potassium:


    Bananas
    Avocados
    Certain cuts
    Citrus fruits
    Leafy, green vegetables
    Potatoes
    White Beans
  • MrGonzo05
    MrGonzo05 Posts: 1,120 Member
    If you're not already living there, move to Kazakhstan. All other countries have inferior potassium.
  • __Aid__
    __Aid__ Posts: 72 Member
    So does oranges, nuts, potatoes, beans/pulses , tomatoes, and mushrooms. All things to avoid on a low potassium diet
  • madaleingericke
    madaleingericke Posts: 49 Member
    You can just eat a few stalks of fresh (rinsed) parsley daily.
    Apparently, nighttime cramps in the muscles of your calves are symptomatic of a potassium/kalium deficiency.
    What a way to wake up suddenly...
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    Most labels don't provide potassium information, so many items in the database are also missing that information. I wouldn't worry.
  • HaleyxErin
    HaleyxErin Posts: 94 Member
    Sweet potatoes and bananas are high in potassium and bananas are like the easiest thing ever.
  • jpbeck
    jpbeck Posts: 30
    In the long run it really doesn't matter. We get a lot of potassium from common foods we eat such as potatoes, bananas, yams, and citrus.

    However monitoring potassium levels do become important if you are on a low potassium diet due to kidney issues. One of the tell tale signs of renal issues is elevated potassium levels.
  • tottie06
    tottie06 Posts: 259 Member
    I highly doubt that you are not getting any. It's in so many foods, and is rich in the following:

    Bananas
    Apricots
    Peaches
    Prunes
    Raisins
    Dates
    Molasses
    Orange juice
    Coconut water
    Nuts
    Seeds
    Yogurt
    Avocados
    Dried Herbs (Parsley, Chervil, Corriander, Basil, Dill ect)
    Mushrooms (White, Portabella, Shiitake, Maitake ect)
    Fish (Salmon, Halibut, Yellowfin Tuna ect)
    Squash (Acorn Squash, Hubbard Squash, Butternut Squash, Zucchini ect)
    Baked Potatoes and Sweet potatoes (With Skin)
    Dark leafy greens (Swiss Chard, Kale, Collards, Spinach ect)
  • FitspirationIsMotivation
    FitspirationIsMotivation Posts: 2
    I hadn't even thought about how some of the entries wont have accurate potassium values! Thanks for all your help :) Bananas are my favourite fruit so it looks like I have a reason to eat them more often:p

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