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| Good to know: |
People who eat the recommended five servings a day of fruits and vegetables usually get enough potassium in their diets. |
| Recommendations: |
Adult minimum: 2000 milligrams/day |
| Benefits: |
Important for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and balance of fluids in the body. |
| Food sources: |
A lot of types of fresh foods, including meat, milk, whole grain products, fruits, legumes, potatoes. |
| Day's supply in: |
4 ounce sirloin steak (400 mg) PLUS 1 cup milk (400 mg) PLUS ½ cup kidney beans (329 mg) PLUS 1 baked potato with skin (844 mg) PLUS 1 slice whole wheat bread (70 mg) |
| Watch out: |
Excess vomiting or diarrhea, and drugs such as steroids or diuretics may deplete the body of potassium. Potassium supplements are often prescribed along with these medications. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include muscle weakness, confusion and fatigue. |
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