Potassium is a mineral that is important to the normal functioning of cells in the body.
A good balance of potassium, calcium, and magnesium is essential for normal muscle function, especially heart muscle. People at risk for low potassium levels are those with severe diarrhea or diabetic ketoacidosis, those on intravenous fluids, and those on diuretics. People who are at risk for high potassium levels are those with kidney failure, burn victims, or crush-injury victims. Both high and low potassium levels are dangerous to the heart, and can cause heart beat irregularities that may lead to death. Other foods that have a lot of potassium include cereals, sunflower seeds, nuts, molasses, cocoa, fresh fish, beef, ham, and poultry.