Dietary potassium.
Potassium is one of the most important minerals for numerous  bodily functions. Potassium contributes to the control of electrolytes levels and water balance in the blood or the body tissues. Potassium plays an important role in synthesis of protein from amino acids, metabolism of carbohydrates, contraction and growth of muscles and, in general, proper body development.
The mineral can improve the function of systems, like digestive, cardiovascular, nervous and urinary.
Potassium can prevent or treat high blood pressure. Apparently this happens, because the mineral increases the excretion of sodium (salt) in the urine. A diet poor in potassium and high in sodium may result in hypertension. Studies have given evidence that potassium may prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Athletes, bodybuilders and in general, people who have prolonged laborious aerobic exercise sessions on a daily basis, may need more potassium to replace the main quantities lost from muscles and smaller amounts lost in sweat during the physical activity session.
Sources of dietary potassium.
Good sources of potassium include meat, cereals, sunflower seeds, soybeans, molasses, almonds and dairy products. Potassium is also found in fish, like sardines, cod, halibut, salmon and flounder. Vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, artichoke, potatoes, Lima beans, tomatoes, and green, leafy vegetables, like spinach, parsley, and lettuce contain the mineral. Fruits that can provide satisfactory or good amounts of potassium are bananas, citrus fruits, avocados, apples and fresh or dried apricots.
Potassium can be easily lost in the urine, especially if large amounts of table salt are taken on a regular basis or in cases of use of laxatives or diuretics. If that happens, it may be useful for a person to take a potassium supplement. In prolonged periods of vomiting, diarrhea or excessive sweating due to heavy training, supplementation may be needed too. People, who have the habits to eat plenty of processed foods or to drink large amounts of caffeine or alcohol, may need potassium supplementation, as well. In order to find potassium food supplements online, you can try the  button.
If a person suffers from diabetes, or renal condition, a physician's advice is recommended, before any supplementation is taken.
Click the following links to read about the sites we recommend and secured transactions.
Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia), increased levels (hyperkalemia) and toxicity.
Deficiency in potassium is also referred to as hypokalemia. This condition may occur in people with severe gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting, chronic alcoholism, diabetes, anorexia nervosa or as a consequence of ageing. Other causes of hypokalemia are regular laborious physical activity and the use of certain diuretics and laxatives. Cortisone, aspirin, and certain cardio-tonic drugs, such as digitalis, may also deplete potassium.
Common symptoms associated with low levels of potassium are fatigue, high blood pressure, weaker heart performance, cardiac arrhythmias, dry skin, acne, impaired reflexes, depression, bone fragility, muscle weakness and cramps.
Diabetes and kidney malfunction, depending on the severity of either of these conditions, can also result in abnormal potassium levels.
A low potassium state can be diagnosed with blood tests and can be treated with food supplements, containing the mineral. If hypokalemia remains untreated, it can be proved fatal.
Hyperkalemia is a state which is characterized by high potassium levels in the blood stream. Excessive potassium can be toxic and may have a negative impact on the heart. Common causative factors of hyperkalemia can be reduced kidney function, abnormal protein metabolism and serious infections. Healthy kidneys are able to handle large amounts of potassium and to prevent hyperkalemia, providing there is no underlying pathological condition.
Recommendations for dietary potassium.
Although there is no RDA for potassium, experts recommend approximately 2 to 3.5gr/day. This dosage is suitable for adults, including pregnant women.
In general, potassium intake must be twice as much as sodium. Potassium supplementation is recommended to be accompanied by vitamin B6 preparations.
|
