Potassium, is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heat rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body's water balance.
This mineral is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electro-chemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. The function of this mineral has been shown to decrease with age, which may account for some of the circulatory damage, lethargy, and weakness experienced by older people.
Signs of potassium deficiency include:
abnormally dry skin
acne
chills
cognitive impairment
constipation
depression
diarrhea
diminished reflex function
edema
nervousness
insatiable thirst
fluctuations in heartbeat
glucose intolerance
growth impairment
high cholesterol levels
insomnia
low blood pressure
muscular fatigue and weakness
nausea and vomiting
periodic headaches
proteinuria (protein in the urine)
respiratory distress
salt retention
Food and Herbal Sources of Potassium
Food Sources of Potassium
dairy products
fish
fruit
legumes
meat
poultry
vegetables
whole grains
This mineral is specifically found in:
apricots
avocados
bananas
blackstrap molasses
brewer's yeast
brown rice
dates
dulse
figs
dried fruit
garlic
nuts
potatoes
raisins
winter squash
torula yeast
wheat bran
yams
Herbs containing potassium include:
catnip
hops
horsetail
nettle
plantain
red clover
sage
skullcup
Comments
Kidney disorders, diarrhea, and the use of diuretics or laxatives all disrupt potassium levels. Tobacco and caffeine reduce absorption of this mineral.
Potassium is needed for hormone secretion. The secretion of stress hormones causes a decrease in the potassium-to-sodium ration both inside and outside the cells. As a result, stress increases the body's potassium requirements.
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