Potassium is a very important mineral. It is essential for the proper function of all cells, tissues and organs in the human body. It is one of the key electrolytes in your body along with sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. Potassium is crucial to a heart function. It plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive and muscular function. Most people get all of the potassium they need from a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Role of Potassium:-
- Helps to maintain the electrolyte balance in your body's cells as well as control the acid-base balance
- Helps to manage and regulate your blood pressure and keeps your heart functioning properly
- Helps to assist the nervous system by aiding in the correct function of tissues needed for sending nerve impulses
- Helps the muscles contract
- Helps to releases energy from the protein, fat and carbohydrates during the metabolic process
- Aids in the waste removal process
- Potassium enhances the muscle control, the growth and the health of your cells in the body
- Helps to promote efficient cognitive functioning by helping to deliver oxygen to the brain
Low potassium or hypokalemia refers to a lower than normal level of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. Some of the Common Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency:-
- Poor Kidney function
- Constipation
- Drowsiness/Nausea/Vomiting
- Insomnia/Poor or Improper Sleep
- Tingling/Numbness
- Abnormal Psychological Behavior such as Depression, Psychosis, Delirium, Confusion or Hallucinations
- Skin Conditions like Acne/Blistering/Rashes/Itchy & Dry Skin or other skin conditions
- Nerve & Muscle Dysfunction
- Paralysis
- Edema/Fluid Retention
- Heart Arrthymias/Rhythm Disturbances/Irregular Heartbeat/Palpitations
- Periodic Headaches
- Nervousness/Anxiety & Confusion
- Fatigue/Weakness in the body
- Frequent Urination/Excessive Thirst
- Hypertension/Low Blood Pressure
SOME OF THE BEST FOOD SOURCES IN POTASSIUM:-
BEANS & LEGUMES:- Lima Beans, Green Beans, Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans, Black Beans, Soybeans, Lentils
VEGETABLES:-Fennel, Onions, Broccoli, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Artichoke, Asparagus, Celery, Tomatoes, Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Brussels Sprouts, Romaine Lettuce, Kale, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens, Bell Peppers, Egg Plant, Pumpkin
FRUITS:-Apricot, Grapes, Plums, Figs, Papaya, Cantaloupe, Kiwi Fruit, Oranges, Mango, Pomegranate, Avocado, Peaches, Banana, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Black Berries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Cranberries, Cherries, Tangerine
DRY FRUITS & NUTS:-Raisins, Dates, Prunes, Pistachio Nuts, Almonds, Cashews
DAIRY PRODUCTS:-Milk, Yogurt, Cheese
MEAT & SEA FOODS:- Chicken, Ham, Beef, Trout, Tuna, Salmon, Rockfish, Haddock, Clams, Crab
Note:-Consult your physician before taking any supplement.