Potassium

30 Mar Potassium

Chetan Patel

Potassium

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The importance of potassium is highly underestimated.

This mineral is classified as an electrolyte because it’s highly reactive in water. When dissolved in water, it produces positively charged ions.

When in water, an electrolyte dissolves into positive or negative ions that have the ability to conduct electricity. Potassium ions carry a positive charge.

Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body (5).

It helps the body regulate fluid, send nerve signals and regulate muscle contractions.

The body is made of approximately 60% 

Symptoms

If your problem is temporary, or you’re only slightly hypokalemic, you might not feel any symptoms. Once your potassium levels fall below a certain level, you might experience:

Weakness

Fatigue

Muscle cramps or twitching

Constipation

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms)

This special property allows it to conduct electricity, which is important for many processes throughout the body.

How much do you need?  Adults should get about 2,600 to 3,400 milligrams of potassium every day. Most people, though, fall short. And while taking in too much or too little potassium isn’t a problem for healthy people, it can be if you have chronic kidney disease or take certain types of medicines. That’s one reason why you should check with a doctor before you take potassium supplements.

Bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, grapefruit (some dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and dates, are also high in potassium)

Cooked spinach

Cooked broccoli

Potatoes

Sweet potatoes

Mushrooms

Peas

Cucumbers

Zucchini

Eggplant

Pumpkins

Leafy greens

Juice from potassium-rich fruit is also a good choice:

Orange juice

Tomato juice

Prune juice

Apricot juice

Grapefruit juice