Potassium Minerals Information - Facts, benefits, deficiency disease of Potassium

Potassium works with sodium to regulate the body's water balance and normalize heart rthythms. Potassium works inside the cells, sodium works just outside them. Nerve and muscle functions when the sodium-Potassium balance is off. Potassium deficiency is not usually a problem in the UK, although some drugs can increase potassium losses. Potassium is a vital nutrient that is in plentiful supply. It is abundant in the fertilizers that have leached out most of the other minerals.

Hypoglcemia causes Potassium loss, as does a long fast or severe diarrhea.

No dietary allowance has been set, but approx. 900 mg. is considered a healthy daily intake. Both mental and physical stress cam lead to a Potassium deficiency.

Potassium Benefits and Uses

• aid in clear thinking by sending oxygen to brain
• help in dispose of body wastes
• It is needed for growth, building muscles, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity etc.
• It sends oxygen to the brain to facilitate mental clarity.
• It also helps to lower blood pressure.
• It also decreases risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
• It also helps to dispose of body wastes.
• Potassium assits in reducing blood pressure
• aid in allergy treatment

Potassium food Sources

Citrus fruits, watercress, all green leafy vegetables, mint leaves, sunflower seeds, bananas, potatoes.

Potassium Deficiency Disease

Potassium is greatly involved in nourishing every cell in your body. Each cell in the body pulls in nutrients and pushes out waste via the sodium/potassium pump. A deficiency in potassium is not common, but symptoms of a deficiency may include weakness, irregular heartbeat, and failure to replace low levels of potassium could lead to heart failure. Edema, hypogycemia.