Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte. Electrolytes are compounds that are able to conduct an electrical current.

Functions

Potassium's functions include helping to:

• Regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of body cells
• Maintain your normal blood pressure
• Transmit nerve impulses
• Make your muscles contract

Recommended Intake

Most people should aim to get close to 5,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day.

Potassium Deficiency

Severe potassium deficiency leads to a low potassium level in the blood, called hypokalemia. But a potassium deficiency is rare in healthy people. However, certain conditions can cause the body to lose significant amounts of potassium. Examples of these conditions include:

• Excessive diarrhea or laxative use
• Kidney problems
• Use of certain blood pressure medicines
• Continuous poor food intake (may occur due to alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, very low calorie diets)

Signs of a severe potassium deficiency include the following:

• Weakness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Constipation

If hypokalemia persists, it can lead to irregular heartbeat. This can dangerously decrease the heart's ability to pump blood.

In addition, people who are on high blood pressure medicine should ask their doctor about the need for a potassium supplement.

Potassium Toxicity

Potassium is rarely toxic because excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine. However, people with kidney problems may be unable to properly excrete potassium, allowing it to build up in the bloodstream (called hyperkalemia). Therefore, people with kidney problems need to closely monitor their potassium intake. Hyperkalemia can also lead to an irregular heartbeat. This can dangerously decrease the heart's ability to pump blood.

Major Food Sources

Potassium is found in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Less processed foods tend to have more potassium.

Here are some examples of foods that are high in potassium:

Tips for Increasing Your Potassium Intake

To help increase your intake of potassium:

• Eat legumes, such as black beans, lentils, and chickpeas, three times per week. Combine them with rice and vegetables and wrap in a warm tortilla.
• Make garden salads with half green lettuce and half fresh spinach.
• Eat fish as your entrée a few times per week.
• Snack on dried fruits for a sweet fix.
• Use avocado on sandwiches or bagels in place of mayonnaise or cream cheese.
• Eat two brightly colored fruits and vegetables each day, like sweet potato, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, spinach, among others.