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 located mainly in the cells of your body. Along with sodium, potassium's main functions are to help maintain the body's water balance and regulate the flow of fluids 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 together with sodium, potassium helps to normalize the heartbeat and supply nourishment for the muscles. Potassium working with phosphorus sends oxygen to the brain and working with calcium manages neuromuscular activity.

There is no suggested Daily Allowance for potassium since there are plenty of 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 salt and sugar consumption, coffee and alcohol over indulgence, puking, gut rot, as well as mental and physical stress can all lead to a potassium deficiency.

Water pills and hormonal medicines like aldosterone and cortisone can cause loss of potassium. Diabetics have also been show to be frequently deficient in potassium.

psychological conditions, neuromuscular dysfunction and poor reflexes, sleeplessness, unsteady pulse, general weakness and loss of physical energy, drooping muscles and constipation are all indications of potassium deficiency. Acne in teens and dry sin in seniors might also be an indication of a deficiency of potassium.

A good list of foods high in potassium would definitely include veg, especially green leafy plants. Spinach, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens and Swiss chard are all glorious sources of potassium. Other glorious sources of potassium include broccoli, crush, green beans, bell peppers, celery and romaine lettuce. Other very good 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 advise eating five to 9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. These foods high in potassium and so many other important necessary nutrient elements are so required for good health. You can't get too much of these critical nutriments , however , living on a diet comprised of chips and iceberg lettuce. You want to eat your veggies. - 30414

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