| What is potassium? Potassium is stored in your body’s cells and together with sodium and chlorine is essential for the pH balance of the whole body. Sodium is found outside cells.
What potassium does for youPotassium plays a vital role in the functioning of your muscles, heart and nerves. It ensures that your body’s fluid levels remain balanced and that your body is neither too alkaline nor too acidic. It also prevents calcium from being lost in your urine.
How much potassium you needNo RDA for potassium has been established, but 200mg for adults has been suggested as a good intake. This is roughly the equivalent of potassium found in a banana.
Which foods have potassium?Bananas, tomatoes, spinach, radish, papaya, granadilla, red pepper, deciduous fruit such as peaches and apricots, and red wine.
Signs of potassium deficiencyPersistent muscle cramps, muscle weakness, disorientation, irritability, confusion and depression.
How much potassium is too much?Doses of more than 17 000mcg daily can be dangerous.
New research on potassiumPotassium may help people with congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood throughout the body. The potassium helps reduce the irregular heart beat that results from the condition.
Increasing potassium intake can help reduce large amounts of calcium lost in the urine which can lead to kidney stones. Potassium reduces the risk of stroke, and also lowers blood pressure.
|
