The Power of Potassium + Easy Ways to Get More in Your Diet
What Is Potassium’s Job?
Potassium plays a vital role in keeping our bodies running smoothly. Often called an electrolyte, it carries an electrical charge that wakes up our nerves and cells, getting them ready for action. Potassium ensures that the fluid levels inside our cells are just right, while its partner, sodium, manages the fluid outside. Potassium is also essential to our muscles, helping them contract and contributes to maintaining healthy blood pressure.
What Are Your Potassium Daily Needs?
The recommended daily intake of potassium varies based on age, sex, and overall health. However, generally speaking, adults are advised to consume around 2,600 to 3,400 milligrams (mg) of potassium each day. We found this great tool that gives you points for every type of fruit or vegetable you’d like to juice.
For example, our easy green juice has 88 points!
It’s important to note that specific potassium requirements can differ based on factors such as physical activity level, certain medical conditions (e.g., kidney problems), and medications you might be taking. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the right potassium intake for your unique needs and circumstances.
Potassium and Health
Potassium has wide-ranging roles in the body, which is why researchers study it in connection with blood pressure, bone health, kidney function, and blood sugar. If you have questions about your own potassium needs, talk to your doctor.
Kidneys and Potassium
The kidneys filter waste and excess substances from the blood to create urine, and potassium is one of the electrolytes they help keep in balance. Because of this, people with kidney problems, and people taking certain medications, may need to limit potassium. Check with your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding potassium-rich juices to your routine.
Foods High in Potassium
Overall, it’s really simple to get your daily share of potassium. You can eat the following foods, or juice any combo of fruits and veggies on the list.
Fruits
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Cantaloupe
- Grapefruit
- Honeydew
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Apricots
- Kiwi
- Prunes
Vegetables
- Cucumbers
- Mushrooms
- Pumpkins
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Potatoes (with skin)
- Tomatoes
- Beet greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Avocado
Easy Cold-Pressed Juices Loaded with Potassium
Here are a few of our favorite tasty, juicy ways to get the proper daily intake of potassium:
Grapefruit Goodness
4 Grapefruit
1 – 3” Turmeric
Yield – 24 oz
Cool Cantaloupe Cucumber
½ cantaloupe (pressed)
1 cucumber (grid #10 grind and press)
1 lime (pressed)
Yield – 20 oz
Watermelon Beet Lime
1 small watermelon (remove rind, press)
2 limes (press)
1 medium to small beet (#10 grid, grind and press)
Yield – 2 liters
Pro-Tip: Beets may have kick-back, so cover the feed chute when grinding (stage one).
Another delicious way to get your potassium allowance is by making this awesome smoothie bowl!
Sources
- Harvard School of Public Health: Potassium | The Nutrition Source
- Healthline: What Does Potassium Do for Your Body?
- American Heart Association: How Potassium Can Help Control High Blood Pressure
- Cleveland Clinic: 10 Foods That Are High in Potassium
- Medical News Today: What to know about potassium levels and kidney disease
- DaVita: Potassium and Chronic Kidney Disease
Medical Disclaimer
PURE is a kitchen products company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.
Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet, especially if you have a health condition or take medication.