Potassium is a mineral found in many different foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, milk, dried beans, and peas. Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure and also helps muscles, including the heart, to contract properly.
When combined with a low-sodium diet, a diet high in potassium may help lower high blood pressure . This can help lower the risk of stroke and other complications of high blood pressure. If you have kidney problems, you should not follow a high-potassium diet. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet.
The below chart shows the healthy foods that are highest in potassium in each food category. If you are eating a high potassium diet to help lower your blood pressure, choose foods from this list. You should also follow a low-sodium or heart-healthy diet .
Food Category | Food High in Potassium |
---|---|
Grains |
|
Vegetables |
|
Fruits |
|
Milk |
|
Meats and Beans |
|
Fats and Oils |
|
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/
References:
American Dietetic Association. Nutrition Care Manual website. Available at: http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed January 20, 2010.
National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/. Accessed January 20, 2010.
Last reviewed January 2010 by Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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