Potassium is a vital mineral and it plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. It helps to maintain proper fluid levels, ensure the muscles and nerves are working appropriately, and keep the heart beating regularly.
While potassium is important, it has to be balanced. If you aren’t getting enough potassium, your heart and other muscles in your body might not work properly. However, if you are getting too much potassium, you could suffer from other dangerous and potentially deadly issues, such as changes to the rhythm of your heart.
You get potassium from a lot of the food that you eat. Your kidneys are responsible for controlling the amount of potassium that passes into your bloodstream. Excess potassium is pushed out of the blood via the urine. However, if you are suffering from hyerkalemia, your kidneys may not be processing the potassium properly, which could lead to a buildup of this protein in your blood. Kidney disease can also cause excess potassium buildup, as can certain medications.
If your doctor has advised you that your potassium levels are high, the easiest way to manage the problem is by controlling your diet. Reducing the amount of potassium you ingest can help to prevent a buildup of potassium in your blood, thereby preventing serious health issues.
What type of foods should you add to your diet if you are trying to reduce your potassium intake? Here’s a look at 20 great recommendations that you should add to your menu.
1. Apples
It is often said that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, and that’s usually thought to be true because apples contain a tremendous amount of vital nutrients. While yes, apples are highly nutritious, they are also low in potassium, which makes them a good choice if your doctor has told you to lower your potassium levels. In the case of low potassium, an apple a day will certainly help to keep the doctor away. One medium apple contains about 160 mg of potassium. Munch on one for a healthy snack and you’ll feel satisfied without bringing your potassium levels up.
