Potassium
What Is It?
Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body. Sir Humphry Davy discovered potassium in 1807 from caustic potash (KOH) via electrolysis. The name comes from the Latin word kalium meaning potash.
Potassium is an electrolyte, which helps to conduct electrical charges in the body. It requires sodium to maintain balance and is also helpful in balancing acidity levels within the body.
Alcohol, coffee, sugar, laxatives, stress, diuretics and medication can destroy potassium.
Why Do We Need It?
Potassium is essential for the body’s growth, maintenance and energy production. It is
Important that we get enough potassium rich foods into our diet as they can help in the preservation of calcium in the bones, which is essential in helping to avoid various health conditions including osteoporosis.
It works with sodium to keep a normal water balance between the cells and bodily fluids and may also help to offset some of the harmful effects that sodium can have on blood pressure.
Potassium helps to transport nutrients to the body’s cells, clear out any waste products and, as a natural diuretic, aids in removing these toxins from the body.
You need potassium to power your heart as it works with magnesium to play an essential role in proper heart function. It may encourage in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain!
Deficiency Symptoms
Deficiency, due to a low dietary intake, is rare as most foods contain this popular mineral. However, potassium deficiency is called hypokalemia and can be caused by prolonged vomiting, kidney disease and some medications.
Potassium deficiency may cause acne, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, di-arrhea, fainting, rapid pulse, fatigue, glucose intolerance, improper fat digestion, irritability, growth impairment, heart problems, insomnia, muscle weakness, poor memory and res-piratory diseases.
Eating large amounts of liquorice can lower potassium levels as can hypoglycemia, mental and physical stress.
Where Can We Find It?
Most people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink as it can be found (in varying amounts) in almost all foods. Vegetables, especially green leafy
varieties, are an excellent potassium source.
Potassium can also be found in apricots, asparagus, avocados, banana, basil, beetroot, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, canteloupe, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cremini mushrooms, cucumber, green beans, kale, lentils, lettuce, papaya, parsnips, raisins, squash, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard,
spinach, tomato, turmeric, watercress and watermelon.
Be-Aware:
It is possible to overdose on supplements, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting and diarrhea so always be mindful when taking them in tablet form.
If you suffer from kidney disease or are taking medication for high blood pressure, heart disease, anti-inflammatory drugs or diuretics you must consult your doctor before taking supplements. Supplementation of potassium may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (an elevated level of potassium in the blood).
Studies/Research
Clinical studies have shown that eating potassium rich foods can reverse hypercalciuria (elevated calcium in the urine), which can be caused by eating excessive amounts of pro-cessed meat.
The results of research published in the British Medical Journal, April 2014 showed that increased potassium intake proved beneficial in the prevention and control of elevated blood pressure and stroke.
References:
www.elementalmatter.info
www.buzzle.com
www.sciencedirect.com
www.bmj.com
Readers Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements
Vitamins & Minerals DeMystified - Dr Steve Blake
Dr Jensens Juicing Therapy - Dr Bernard Jensen
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.