Sources of Potassium
Today, let’s circle back on one of the most underrated electrolytes, Potassium!⚡⚡⚡
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We already know how important Potassium is for blood sugar balance and regulation. It’s also important for:
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〰️Regulating heartbeat and other muscle contractions
〰️Regulating blood pressure
〰️Regulating the water balance and pH of the blood and tissues
〰️Conducting nerve impulses
〰️Protein synthesis
〰️Adrenal function
〰️Thyroid function
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Potassium is clearly very important! And it’s one of the most common deficiencies I see in my practice.
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While there isn’t a clear RDA for potassium, many organizations recommend adults at least 3,500 mg per day. I personally think a pretty decent amount more than this is needed to thrive.
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Where can you get potassium?
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🥥Coconut water. 1 cup provides 600 mg.
🍑Dried fruit. ½ cup of apricots contains 1,101 mg. ½ cup of prunes contains 699 mg. ½ cup of raisins contains 618 mg.
🥔Root veggies. 1 medium baked potato has as much as 925 mg. 1 medium sweet potato has 541 mg. 1 cup of beets contains 518 mg.
🟠Butternut squash. 1 cup provides 582 mg of potassium.
🍉Fruits. 1 medium banana contains 422 mg. ½ an avocado contains 487 mg. 2 wedges of watermelon contain 640 mg. ½ cup of dates contains 482 mg.
🌱Properly-prepared beans. 1 cup of white beans contains 829 mg. 1 cup of lentils contains 731 mg. 1 cup of black beans contains 611 mg.
🥬Properly-prepared leafy greens. 1 cup frozen spinach provides 540 mg. 1 cup swiss chard provides 961 mg. ½ cup cooked beet greens contains 655 mg.
🥛Milk. 1 cup contains 366 mg.
⚪Cream of tartar. 1 tsp provides 495 mg.
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I personally sip on coconut water all day. It’s my JAM.
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Not medical advice. Of course, always talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Haas, E. M. Levin, B. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. New York, NY: Ten Speed Press.
Klemm, S. (2020). Kidney Disease: High- and Moderate-Potassium Foods. Retrieved from: https://www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/kidney-disease/kidney-disease-high-and-moderate-potassium-foods.
Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan. (2019). High-Potassium Foods. Retrieved from: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/abo9047.
National Institutes of Health. (2020). Potassium. Retrieved from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/.
NHS. (2020). Others: Vitamins and minerals. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/.
Nutrition Data. Watermelon, raw. Retrieved from: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2072/2.
O’Brien, S. (2018). 15 Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a Banana. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-loaded-with-potassium.
Raman, R. (2020). How Much Potassium Do You Need Per Day?. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-potassium-per-day.
University of Michigan Health System. Potassium Content of Foods. Retrieved from: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Nutrition/PotassiumHandout.pdf.
World Health Organization. Guideline: Potassium intake for adults and children. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/potassium_intake_printversion.pdf.
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