Potassium Mineral
Potassium is one of the major essential minerals in the body. Most of it is found in cells where it acts as an electrolyte. It has numerous benefits which are stated further in this article.
Potassium Benefits
As an electrolyte, it has a number of health benefits which include;
Health Benefits of Potassium
- It helps with the muscle contraction process.
- It enables your heart to beat in a healthy rhythmic way.
- Potassium is essential in nerve cells functioning.
- This mineral helps maintain normal healthy blood pressure.
- It may reduce the risk of recurrent kidney stones.
Nutritional Benefits of Potassium
- It helps regulate body fluid such as urine.
- It’s used in the conversion of blood sugar to glycogen.
Potassium Deficiency
Deficiency is the condition that body cells have low potassium levels. It is due to a lack of enough fruits and vegetables in a diet. Over time, deficiency has shown to affect muscles and nerves first. However, deficiency affects different people more, this group consists of; the elderly, people with kidney problems and athletes.
Symptoms of Deficiency
results in great fatigue and muscle weakness,
mental confusion,
problems in nerve conduction,
heart disturbance,
Potassium Sources
This mineral can be obtained from different sources such as; food products(fruits) and supplements.
However, its best sources are fruits and vegetables.
Potassium Rich Foods
Leafy green vegetables; Pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, eggplant,
Fruits and fruit juices; Carrots, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, orange and orange juice, banana
Legumes; Beans, lentils, soybeans
Dairy; Yogurt, milk
Fish; Tuna, trout, cod
Meat
Nuts; Almond
Potassium And Blood Pressure
Low potassium has been proved to be a contributing factor to high blood pressure. Potassium and sodium are so related that food high in sodium can have negative effects on the body. Salt raises the amount of sodium higher than potassium making it hard for the kidney to purify blood. This imbalance between sodium and potassium results in high blood pressure.
Reliable research has shown that increased potassium intake and supplements reverse this imbalance and helps kidney function optimally. This ultimately lowers the blood pressure to normal levels. Nevertheless, it is wise to consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
Potassium Deficiency In Plants
Potassium dosage
The Recommended Daily Allowance(RDA) for this mineral is 1.9- 5.6 grams for adults and 765 mg for children up to 4 years. In treating hypertension(high blood pressure), medical experts recommend 3500-5000 mg of potassium daily.
Potassium Deficiency Causes
Potassium And The Heart
Potassium helps regulate and rhythm the heartbeat.
Potassium And Water
When dissolved in water, it conducts electricity which is used in different body processes such as transmitting nerve signals. This transmitting property is essential in various processes in the body.
Potassium And Diabetes
People with diabetes, have a problem producing insulin efficiently. diabetes is characterized by low potassium levels and high insulin levels. This mineral helps produce and ensure optimal functioning of insulin thus reducing the risk of diabetes.
Potassium Deficiency Treatment
hypokalemia is treated by increasing potassium mineral in once diet i.e. increasing fruit intake. Medical experts recommend taking 780 mg of elemental potassium daily to treat severe deficiency.
Potassium And Hypertension
Potassium 1000 Mg Supplements
can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomitting
Potassium Channel Blockers
Potassium Chloride Injection
medication to treat and prevent low blood potassium
Potassium Sparing Diuretics
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