The mineral "potassium (symbol: K)" which is obtained from both animal and plant sources, helps maintain water and pH (acid/base) balance. It helps regulate heartbeat and blood pressure. It plays an important role in lowering sodium levels too. It aids muscle contraction, and helps send nerve impulses throughout the body. It keeps an eye on various enzymatic reactions. Certain type of tissue destruction can force this mineral in cells to enter into the blood stream, and this can raise the blood potassium levels. The condition wherein excess amount of this mineral affects the body functions, including heart function, is known as hyperkalemia. It can cause slow heartbeats, low pulse, and fatigue. Certain diseases require limited use of this mineral. Those diagnosed with hyperkalemia should include low potassium foods in the diet. To deal with the deficiency of this mineral (hypokalemia), high potassium foods should be incorporated in the diet. In case of such deficiency, even high sodium foods should be avoided, as these foods would raise blood pressure levels, and would destroy all the benefits gained from potassium-rich foods. Foods that play the role of diuretics, for example, celery, asparagus, and melons should also be avoided, because these foods can flush the mineral K out of the body. Exactly opposite instructions are given to people with high K levels. Foods Rich in Potassium

Food Item	Mineral K (in mg)	Food Item	Mineral K (in mg)
Spinach	839	Avocado	540
Cantaloupe	494	Broccoli	456
Tomatoes	427	Artichokes	595
Beetroot	1309	Brussels Sprouts	504
Parsnips	573	Blackeyed Peas	690
Potatoes	1081	Pumpkin	564
Salisfy	526	Soybeans	886
Winter Squash	896	Water Chestnuts	720
Yam	735	Bitter Melon	934
Bamboo	640	Chinese Radish	970
Fennel	828	Lotus Root	726
Mustard Green	1396	Taro Root	591
Apricot (3)	814	Banana	467
Currants	892	Dates (5)	542
Figs (2)	542	Guava	580
Papaya (1/3)	781	Passion Fruit	934
Persimmon	540	Plantain	893
Pomegranate	678	Prune	707
Raisins	544	Plums (2)	520
Clams	534	Cashews	812
Pistachios	1331	Adzuki Beans Milk	612
Navy beans	670	Plain Yogurt	625
Buckwheat	782	Quinoa	1258
Wheat Germ	1080	Wholemeal Pasta	800
White Beans	1309	Lentils	731
Pinto beans	800	Wholemeal Pasta	800

Foods that can Curb Hyperkalemia

Food Item	Mineral K (in mg)	Food Item	Mineral K (in mg)
Apples peeled	62	Applesauce, canned	80-90
Cranberry sauce	36	Blueberries	65
Lemon	80	Pears canned	83
Pineapple	88	Raspberries raw	94
Watermelon	93	Orange	237
Pineapple	133	Strawberries	124
Tangerine	132	Raw Alfalfa Sprouts	13
Green Beans	76	Cauliflower	125
Cabbage	80	Bean Sprouts	70
Carrots cooked	114	Collards cooked	84
Corn cooked	114	Endive raw	79
Leeks cooked	46	Lettuce	87
Onions	124	Peppers raw	89
Popcorn	20	Turnips	106
Kale	148	Celery	171
Chickpeas	239	Sweet Cherries (10)	152

The symptoms of hyperkalemia are noticed when the potassium level in blood reaches 7.0 mEq/liter. Higher levels can cause muscle weakness, nausea, fatigue, and a tingling sensation. In severe cases, increased levels may result in a slow heartbeat and a weak pulse. Regular blood tests help monitor the levels. Tips to Lower Potassium

• Avoid salt substitute because it contains the element K.
• Potassium-free herbs, spices, and seasoning mixes should be used in cooking.
• Limit fruits and vegetables to 4 servings (1/2 cup each) a day.
• Limit milk (all types of milk, buttermilk, yogurt, and ice cream) to 1/2 cup a day.
• Limit the vegetables like asparagus, beets, brussels sprouts, collard greens, corn, dandelion greens, kale, etc. to one serving (½ cup).
• Completely avoid very high potassium fruits, vegetables, and foods like chocolate candy, beverages, molasses, nuts, etc.

Normally, a low sodium high potassium diet is considered as healthy diet. Cutting down salt intake, increasing the intake of the mineral K, shedding excess pounds, increasing physical activities, and following an overall healthy and balanced diet can help maintain blood pressure levels. People with normal blood pressure are less likely to suffer from heart diseases, stroke, or kidney diseases. Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be substituted for the advice of a medical professional.