How to Determine Potassium Rich Foods

Until recently, potassium levels were not included in the nutritional information provided on food packaging. Since 2001 however, it has become a legal requirement for food manufacturers to provide this information. Potassium is a naturally-occurring element with many health benefits. It regulates the fluid balance in your body and has been shown to help lower blood pressure. For an average person it is possible to get all the potassium you need from a healthy and balanced diet. Some people may need more potassium in their diet and this can be done without the use of supplements, and with eating potassium-rich foods. Others may need to lower their levels, such as sufferers of diabetes.

Instructions

1

Consult your doctor to determine whether you need to increase your decrease the amount of potassium in your diet.

2

Consult food packaging to discover potassium levels. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 3,500 mg.

3

Check a chart to find out the potassium levels in fresh food such as fruit, meat and vegetables. Charts can be provided by your doctor or found online. Foods with lots of potassium include meat, avocados, melons, spinach and bananas. Foods with low potassium levels include cucumbers, lettuce and mushrooms.