Make Sure You Get Enough Potassium In Your Diet

By Beth Hoover

Keeping a list of foods high in potassium near handy is a smart move. Potassium is an essential mineral that makes up about 5% of your total body mineral content. So eating enough foods high in potassium is vital to your healthfulness.

Potassium is found generally in the cells of your body. Together with sodium, potassium's main functions are to help maintain the body's water balance and regulate the flow of liquids on each side of the cells.

Potassium also has many other functions. It's essential for ordinary growth and for the kick of nerve impulses. It helps keep the skin healthy and excites the kidneys to release toxic body wastes.

Working along with sodium, potassium helps to normalize the heart beat and provide nourishment for the muscles. Potassium working with phosphorus sends oxygen to the brain and working with calcium controls neuromuscular activity.

There is no suggested Daily Allowance for potassium since there are several foods high in potassium. But still most authorities believe that humans should get between 2k and 2500 milligrams daily in their diet.

Potassium inadequacies , however , are not uncommon. Anything that would cause excess urination would increase the loss of potassium. High sugar and salt consumption, coffee and alcohol over indulgence, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as psychological and physical stress can all lead to a potassium deficiency.

Water tablets and hormonal medications like aldosterone and cortisone could cause loss of potassium. Diabetics have also been show to be often deficient in potassium.

psychological illnesses, neuromuscular dysfunction and poor reflexes, sleeplessness, unstable pulse, general weakness and loss of physical energy, drooping muscles and bowel problems are all signs of potassium deficiency. Acne in teenagers and dry sin in seniors could also be suggestive of a deficiency of potassium.

A good list of foods high in potassium would certainly include plants, especially green leafy vegetables. Spinach, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens and Swiss chard are all glorious sources of potassium. Other excellent sources of potassium include broccoli, squish, green beans, bell peppers, celery and romaine lettuce. Other very excellent sources of potassium are whole grains, sunflower seeds and potatoes with the peelings.

Certain fruits are also excellent potassium sources. These include bananas, apricots, dates, figs, melons, oranges, pears and prunes.

Getting enough potassium in your diet is yet another reason why most responsible nutritive authorities strongly suggest eating five to nine daily portions of fruits and vegetables. These foods high in potassium and so many other significant essential nutriments are so required for good health. You can't get enough of these imperative nutrient elements , however , living on a diet of French fries and iceberg lettuce. You need to eat your vegetables. - 31843

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