Potassium is a mineral found in most foods.
In the body it helps muscles and nerves work right, especially the heart. This is why the
amount of potassium in the blood is so important. If it gets too high, muscles become
weak. The heart may slow down and even stop beating. Potassium can also get too low,
although this is more unusual.
Healthy kidneys remove extra potassium from the blood. But when the
kidneys fail, this is no longer possible. Then the potassium in the diet must be
restricted in order to keep blood potassium levels from becoming too high. To do this, you
must learn which foods are higher in potassium. It will take time, but keep practicing.
Eventually you will know the high potassium foods better than your nutritionist!
