Here are the top 10 topics visitors are searching. Heart Disease 8. Potassium is needed to regulate water balance, levels of acidity, blood pressure , and neuromuscular function, including a critical role in transmission of electrical impulses in the heart. As a result, low blood levels of potassium left untreated in people about to undergo surgery to the heart leads to an increased risk of heart arrhythmias and increased need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 1 Potassium is also required for carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
Most fruits are excellent sources of potassium.
Beans , milk, and vegetables contain significant amounts of potassium. People taking one of these drugs should be informed by their doctor to take potassium. Prescription levels of potassium are higher than the amount sold over the counter but not more than the amount found in several pieces of fruit . The best way to get extra potassium is to eat several pieces of fruit per day. Even eating several pieces of fruit per day can sometimes cause problems for people taking potassium-sparing diuretics , due to the high potassium content of fruit.