Potassium and the Importance in Nutrition

Potassium is essential to the life of every cell of a living being and is among the most generously and widely distributed of all the tissue minerals. It is found principally in the intracellular fluid where it plays an important role as a catalyst in energy metabolsim and in the synthesis of glycogen and protein. The average adult human body contains 120 g. as potassium and 245 g. as potassium chloride. Out of this body potassium, 117 g. is found in the cells and 3 g. in the extracellular compartment.

Potassium is important as an alkalizing agent in keeping a proper acid-alkaline balance in the

blood and tissues. It is essential for muscle contraction and therefore, important for proper heart

function. It promotes the secretion of hormones and helps the kidneys in detoxification of blood.

Potassium prevents female disorders by stimulating the endocrine hormone production. It is

involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system and helps overcome fatigue. It also aids

in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain and assists in reducing blood pressure.

Potassium is widely distributed in foods. All vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables,

grapes, oranges, lemons, raisins, whole grains, lentils, sunflower seeds, nuts, milk, cottage

cheese and butter milk are rich sources. Potatoes, especial potato peelings, and bananas are

especially good sources. Potassium requirements have not been established but on intake of 0.8

to 1.3 g. per day is estimated as approximately the minimum need. Potassium deficiency may

occur during gastrotestinal disturbances with severe vomiting and diarrhoea, diabetic acidosis

and potassium-losing nephritis. It causes undue nervous and body tiredness, palpitation of the

heart, cloudiness of the mind, nervous shaking of the hands and feet, great sensitivity of the

nerves to cold, and excessive perspiration of the feet and hands.

In simple cases of potassium deficiency, drinking plenty of tender coconut water daily, can

make up for it. It is advisable to consume plenty of figs, apricots, prunes, almonds and tomatoes

during the use of oral diuretics. Potassium-rich foods should be restricted during acute renal

failure and Addison's disease.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

The Importance of Foods High in Potassium

Potassium is a mineral your body needs to properly execute certain functions at the cellular level as well as for those that are termed as 'electrical functions' within your body. While potassium is considered a mineral it is also a primary electrolyte your body utilizes in intracellular fluids. Regulating blood pressure as well as acid and base levels, transmitting nerve impulses, metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates, building muscle tissue and assisting with the heart's beating are all important body processes that require potassium. This vital electrolyte also plays a role in balancing water levels and ensuring the health of your brain and nervous system. For this reason foods high in potassium are an important part of your diet.

Typically speaking, you need to be sure to get the recommended daily amount of potassium into your diet. All adults, including pregnant women, need roughly 2,000 milligrams daily. Children require only around 1,600 milligrams each day and infants should intake no more than to 700 milligrams daily.

A well balanced diet will provide you with plenty of potassium. Bananas, raisins, currants and apricots will feed your sweet tooth and provide a good amount of potassium. Veggies like tomatoes, broccoli, soya beans, lima beans, potatoes with the skin and spinach are good sources of the mineral. As for meats and fish, veal, cod, flounder, salmon and sardines are excellent choices.

If you are wondering what will happen without sufficient potassium in your system, the answer is simple. It is not typical for this to occur with Americans. If you are on certain medications it can happen though. Athletes are more prone to a deficiency as well due to profuse sweating and potential dehydration. Muscle cramping, headaches, vomiting or diarrhea can result.

It is good to seek out foods that are high in potassium but still low in sodium as sodium causes water retention. As much as five extra pounds can be packed on due to high sodium intake while trying to fulfill your potassium requirements. Eating veggies and fruits with the skin in tact is a good way to get the most benefit from potassium rich foods.

A list of high in potassium foods can help you whether you need to lower high potassium levels or you want to increase potassium health benefits.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.