Potassium helps build proteins, break down, and use carbohydrates, build muscle, maintain normal body growth, control the electrical activity of the heart and control the body's acid-base balance. Low potassium is associated with a risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders, and infertility.

Sources

Plant: Swiss chard, lima beans, sweet & white potatoes, soybeans, spinach, pinto beans, lentils, avocado, kidney beans, broccoli, peas, tomatoes, winter squashes, nuts; citrus fruits, cantaloupe, bananas, kiwi, prunes, and apricots.

Animal: All red meats and chicken, milk & yogurt; fish such as salmon, cod, flounder, and sardines

NOTE: Dried apricots contain more potassium than fresh apricots.

« People with kidney problems, especially those on dialysis, should not eat too many potassium-rich foods and follow special diets provided by their clinicians.