Superfoods, Fitness and Nutrition: The Importance of Potassium for People with Heart Failure

Sunday, January 4, 2015

The Importance of Potassium for People with Heart Failure

Potassium is a mineral that helps maintain the normal function of the heart and nervous system. Some people with heart failure need to eat foods high in potassium. Diuretics (water pills) or other medications commonly prescribed for heart failure patients to get rid of excess fluid can cause potassium loss.

But people who have kidney problems or take certain other medications may risk having potassium build up in their systems. And too much potassium can be just as harmful as too little.
Every situation is different, so ask your healthcare team what's right for you.

Potassium-rich foods – which you may either need to eat more of or avoid – include:

Dried fruits: raisins, prunes, apricots, dates

Fresh fruits: bananas, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges

Fresh vegetables: beets, greens, spinach, peas, tomatoes, mushrooms

Dried vegetables: beans, peas

Fresh meats: turkey, fish, beef

Fresh juices: orange

Canned juices: grapefruit, prune, apricot

Potassium is necessary for the body to maintain the balance of pH levels in our body fluids. It is also involved in regulating our blood pressure, bone mass, nervous system, muscle function, and heart, kidney, and adrenal functions.

Potassium deficiency can result in hypokalemia. Symptoms include increase in blood pressure, heart irregularities, hypertension, muscular weakness, muscle cramps and constipation.

Foods with Potassium Serving Size Potassium (mg)

Apricots, dried 10 halves 407

Avocados, raw 1 ounce 180

Bananas, raw 1 cup 594

Beets, cooked 1 cup 519

Brussel sprouts, cooked 1 cup 504

Cantaloupe 1 cup 494

Dates dry 5 dates 271

Figs, dry 2 figs 271

Kiwi fruit, raw 1 medium 252

Lima beans 1 cup 955

Melons, honeydew 1 cup 461