Foods high in potassium are important for some diabetics who may be taking certain medications for high blood pressure or as a diuretic that may cause them to lose potassium through excretion by the kidneys. Potassium plays an important role in proper kidney function as well as in maintaining the electrical impulses throughout the body. Both low and high amounts of potassium in the body are cause for concern, and proper balance is necessary for good all-round health. Supplementation with potassium is one way of obtaining your body's needs as is eating those foods known to be rich in this necessary mineral.
Proteins
Proteins with high potassium content consist mostly of fish and shellfish. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of potassium suggested by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is 4,700mg. Clams are at the top of the list of foods high in potassium, coming in at more than 10 percent of the RDI. Close on their heels are dark-colored fish such as salmon, sardines, yellowfin tuna and rainbow trout; flounder, cod and haddock also are good sources of potassium. If you like pork, it ranks high on the list of protein foods providing a reliable source of potassium. Red meats, chicken and soy products are also on that list but are somewhat lower in their potassium content.
Dairy Products
Whole yogurt, non-fat yogurt, milk and buttermilk are potassium rich and also sources of proteins and calcium. Cheese can also be included in your list of foods supplying potassium.
Vegetables
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains that baked sweet potatoes are high in potassium with 694mg per potato, and one of the best vegetable sources for diabetics because they are also low on the glycemic index, so they won't overstimulate the pancreas with glucose. U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health also recommend white potatoes; however, they explain the predominance of potassium is located in the skin, so make sure to include the skin when you eat the potatoes. Potassium can also be found in lima beans, spinach, kale, tomatoes, Swiss chard, broccoli, peas, winter squash and beet greens.
Fruits
The two fruits with the highest levels of potassium are bananas and apricots, with dried apricots having even higher levels of potassium than fresh, according to the chart of potassium levels in foods supplied by the Department of Health and Human Services. Other recommended fruits that deliver high potassium levels are prunes, prune juice, kiwi, cantaloupe and all citrus fruit, especially oranges.
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