What is Potassium?
Potassium is an essential nutrient and mineral needed for a wide range of vital functions. Our bodies need potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.
Our hearts, brain and kidneys rely heavily on Potassium for the pumping the heart and maintaining our fluid & Electrolyte balance.
A Potassium deficiency, or even taking medication that has a negative impact on potassium levels, can cause terrible consequences in the body.
These consequences include severe headaches, dehydration and heart palpitations.
5 Health Benefits of Potassium
Supports Brain Health
Potassium plays a role in the water and salt balance between cells and interstitial fluid. This is the fluid outside our cells.
For example, when our potassium levels are low fluids don’t move around the body as normal. This contributes to the blood not flowing to and from the brain correctly.
Reduces the Risk of Stroke
Potassium regulates the nervous system, heart function and water balance. Therefore, a high potassium diet helps to reduce the risk of stroke.
Supports Bone Health
Potassium reduces bone resorption. This is the process by which bone is broken down. By increasing our intake of potassium from fruits an vegetables, we can contribute to our bones becoming stronger. By eating more potassium rich foods, we can improve our bone health by increasing our bone mineral density. Bone mineral density is a measure of bone strength.
Reduces Muscle Cramp
Potassium is required by the body for muscle movement and balancing the right amounts of fluid in and out of our cells.
Promotes Healthy Weight
Potassium boosts heart health, encourages our nervous system to work properly and keeps water levels balanced in the body. All of which contribute to maintaining a health weight.
Potassium Rich Foods
- Potatoes
- Avocado’s
- Lima Beans
- Prunes
- Brussels Sprouts
- Milk
- Sweet Potato
Can Potassium be harmful?
Potassium from food and drink has not been shown to cause any harm in healthy people who have normal kidney function. Excess potassium is eliminated in the urine.
However, people who have chronic kidney disease and those who use certain medications, or who may be on dialysis, can develop abnormally high levels of potassium in their blood. In other words, if our kidneys are failing, levels of potassium can build up and cause problems.
Some of the effects of high potassium are nausea, weakness, numbness, and slow pulse.
If you are concerned, you should talk to a doctor. You can contact us below.
