Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that naturally occurs in your body. Potassium helps maintain your heart's electrical system, which regulates the rhythm of your heartbeat. It is important to have the right amount of potassium in your body. If you have too much or too little, it can affect your heart rhythm.

Some medicines may increase the amount of potassium in your body. Other medicines may cause your potassium level to drop.

Depending on your situation, you may need to avoid or eat more foods high in potassium. Ask your health care team about which course is best for you.

Foods high in potassium

Foods moderately high in potassium

all varieties of winter squash avocado baked potato banana blackstrap molasses canned prune juice canned tomato juice canned vegetable juices caution: high sodium choice eggnog french-fried potatoes frozen orange juice salt substitutes

All Bran® apricots and apricot nectar Bran Buds® canned grapefruit juice canned pineapple juice canned white or red beans (caution: high sodium choice) cantaloupe dates dried figs dried prunes honeydew melon lima beans (caution: high sodium choice) mashed or hashed brown potatoes milk and buttermilk raw mushrooms raw orange cooked parsnips raw plums raw spinach raw tomatoes yams, baked in the skin yogurt

Related Links

Heart Health Condition Center: Diet and nutrition

Heart failure and nutrition

Cardiovascular disease specialists

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 07/19/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts