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

Snipechan
Snipechan Posts: 8 Member
in Food and Nutrition
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?

Replies

  • regosaki
    regosaki Posts: 265 Member
    Bananas!!!!!!! Oooooops sorry



    Isn't it in shell fish?
  • hararayne
    hararayne Posts: 261 Member
    I'd just do a google search if I were you...
  • BoxingChick
    BoxingChick Posts: 124 Member
    potatoes
  • Snipechan
    Snipechan Posts: 8 Member
    Also allergic to shellfish. :/
  • mamma_nee
    mamma_nee Posts: 809 Member
    Avocado is high in potassium
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    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
    FindingMyPerfection Posts: 702 Member
    Kiwi has 2x the potassium of a banana for 1/2 the cals
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    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
    mamma_nee Posts: 809 Member
    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
    Susann1963 Posts: 126 Member
    I take a low dose over the counter potassium supplement because of my leg cramps. Works like a charm!
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    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
    ScientificExplorerGirl Posts: 535 Member
    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
    Sreneesa Posts: 1,170 Member
    I'd just do a google search if I were you...

    this
  • kimmymayhall
    kimmymayhall Posts: 419 Member
    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
    florentinovillaro Posts: 342 Member
    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.

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