Potassium  - Information, Benefits and Sources of Potassium

This is one of the most easily found mineral in your body. It is known as an electrolyte. You would find about 150 gms of it in your body, and most of the potassium is found in your muscles. This is needed to balance out a lot of much-needed works that the body must do everyday to keep itself going. Your body needs potassium to aid in the muscular tightening and it is needed to keep up the correct fluid level in the body, along with balancing off the electrolytes in your body. It is needed to keep up your heart and steady it. This aids in lowering high pressure in the blood, and aids in the results of medicines which are antihypertensive. You can also reduce stress with potassium. Also sugar, coffee and alcohol lower the levels of potassium in your body. It helps in reducing your nervous impulses and helps the body to turn glucose to energy, and it is in turn kept on by the muscles and your liver. When blood is stored at a temperature to 2-4 degree Celsius then potassium migrates into the plasma, therefore inducing the concentration of potassium. This if injected on another human being might cause serious problems. The adrenal cortex controls potassium metabolism, by regulating the metabolism of sodium in the body. Out of this, 2-3 gms of it is removed via the urine everyday, and if potassium is taken less, the kidney absorbs what comes in. If you are fasting or are on a high meat diet, then the excretion quantity rises. If you are suffering from stones in your kidneys, then increased rates of potassium might actually help you.  

Sources of potassium  

You can find this mineral in broccoli, tomato, potato, watercress, carrots, celery, raisins, banana, oranges, chicken, prunes, watermelon, orange juice, milk and all milk products, sunflower seeds, cantaloupe, fish, lamb, pork and bran cereal among many.  

Benefits of potassium 

You need potassium to grow your muscles, increase the activity of your heart, build up your muscles, and transmit nervous impulses. It aids in mental clarity by increasing oxygen levels to the brain. It lowers blood pressure and reduces chances of heart problems, decreases body allergic reactions, reduces arthritis pains, and helps with muscle contractions. It also helps the nervous system.  

Deficiency symptoms of potassium 

If you are suffering from Potassium deficiency then you can get weakness in the body, your heartbeat might alter and you might suffer from a heart failure too. Your body might show symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. The heart muscles might get scarred and paralyzed. You can also suffer from sterility and bone fragility. 

Symptom of high intake 

People with kidney problem should have it with doctor’s permission. Nausea and heartbeat problem are common issues of high intake.

When more is needed  

You need more when you are eating too much salt. Also if you are dehydrated and are losing a lot of fluid from the body, you should have more potassium. Also if you are on laxatives, or consuming huge amount of caffeine or alcohol, you should consume this in large amounts.  

Daily requirement

You generally need about 3500 mg everyday and it is  recommended you have about 1875-5625 mg per day.