If you have heart failure, you might need to increase the amount of potassium in your diet. That's especially true if you take a diuretic to force your kidneys to produce more urine to rid your body of excess fluid. That can cause your body to lose the potassium needed to maintain heart and circulatory functions.
To get more potassium, the American Heart Association says you should consume dried and fresh fruit, dried and fresh vegetables, fresh meats and orange, grapefruit, prune and apricot juices.
Your doctor also may prescribe a potassium supplement.
In any case, the association says to consult your doctor before doing anything on your own.
