1) Potassium is the principal ion with a positive charge in the fluid within the cells. Sodium is the primary ion in the fluid outside of the cells.
2) Inside the cells the concentration of potassium is 30 times greater than the potassium concentration outside of the cells.
3) It is estimated that 20% - 40% of the resting energy used from an adult comes from the cell exchange of potassium and sodium.
4) The proportions of potassium and sodium in the body are crucial for the transmission of nerve impulses, heart functioning, and muscle contraction.
5) Potassium is necessary to the functioning of some of the enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
6) If the body’s level of potassium gets too low the result can be fatal.
7) Black licorice, in a few rare cases, has led to potassium deficiency through heavy consumption.
8) Increasing a too-low level of potassium may reduce the risk of strokes.
9) An increased intake of food rich in potassium is thought to help in the prevention of kidney stones.
10) In one study, those with higher concentrations of potassium in their systems had lower blood pressure than the subjects with lower levels of potassium.
Though it is normally a deficiency of potassium we are told to guard against, an excess of potassium is also dangerous. If the rise in potassium levels is greater than the ability of the kidneys to eliminate excess levels of the mineral, symptoms may include tingling feet and hands, weakness of the muscles, and even abnormal cardiac rhythms and heart attack.
If supplements taken to increase the potassium presence in the body are excessive, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Taking supplements with food is one way to help reduce the risk of any of the above occurring when potassium is introduced.
Because potassium is such a vital mineral, getting enough of it in our daily diets has been associated with less chance of suffering from osteoporosis, kidney stones, high blood pressure, and strokes.
It is recommended that adult women take in 2,300 mg of potassium per day and that adult males get 3,100 mg of potassium. Good sources of potassium include potatoes, bananas, prunes, oranges, raisins, and tomatoes.
Copyright © Dennis Becker, 2004.
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