When it comes to minerals that our body can’t, calcium, iron and magnesium are regularly referenced. There is no uncertainty that these components are essential for us to appreciate health and prosperity, yet they are by all account not the only things our body needs. Potassium is also essential for the body to function properly.
What is Potassium?
Potassium is an electrolyte, ie a positive ion of salt. It dissolves in body fluids, and given the fact that the body is mainly made up of water, it can be said to be found in almost every part of our body. Due to its easy penetration through cell membranes, it is responsible for transporting water through the body and thus plays a key role in managing the body’s water. The ability to infiltrate helps to properly distribute nutrients in every cell of our body.
The electrolytic nature of potassium is likewise in charge of the correct pressure of cell layers and the transmission of nerve driving forces that influence the best possible working of the brain. Another important function of potassium as an electrolyte is to maintain the acid-base balance in the body so that adequate supply of this macroelement prevents the acidification of the body.
The impact of potassium on insulin creation must be remembered, which is critical in individuals with diabetes. To check the status of the most important plasma electrolytes (in addition to potassium, including sodium, calcium and magnesium) you should ask your doctor for a clinical examination of blood called an ionogram.
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Potassium and heart
One of the most important functions of this valuable component is to deal with the best possible muscle constrictions including the heart muscle. Potassium directs crafted by the heart and expands its presentation during physical exercise, and its job to a great extent relies upon the measure of sodium in our body. Sodium and potassium are firmly related in light of the fact that the principal component is an opponent of the last which implies that it has the contrary action. The harmony between these two electrolytes is important to keep up entire body homeostasis.
At the point when the body’s potassium level is managed, any overabundance sodium is expelled from the body through the urine. Notwithstanding, when potassium levels are low, the body ensures against extra misfortune and anticipates its discharge. The problem is that sodium is suspended at the same time, which increases the level, which in turn increases the amount of water in the body. The raised water raises blood pressure beyond the safe value of 120/80 and leads to hypertension. Hypertension is one of the causes of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes and therefore potassium is a very important element that enables the healthy work of our most important muscle.
Lack and excess of potassium
Excess potassium in the diet is called hyperkalaemia and is relatively rare. It can be caused by an overdose or a consequence of some kidney disease. Symptoms of hyperkalaemia include numbness in the hands and slow heart rate. Lack of potassium or hypokalaemia is far more dangerous to health, and in some cases this condition can be life threatening. Typical symptoms of potassium deficiency are: swelling, weakness or muscle cramps, increased thirst as well as irregular heartbeat, which in extreme cases leads to ventricular fibrillation.
Natural sources of potassium
What do you have to eat to get enough potassium? Items wealthy in this component incorporate meat and fish, just as vegetables (peas, beans), broccoli, pumpkin and tomato. As for fruits, potassium is found in apricots and figs (particularly in the dry), bananas and citrus fruits. However, is it enough to eat only these products? A well-balanced diet is the foundation for health and well-being. For example, when you are stressed, you drink a lot of coffee, so it is necessary to supplement with potassium. For this purpose you can prepare delicious banana and grape fruit cocktails with beetroot supplement which also have blood pressure control properties.
Potassium is one of the most significant minerals that everybody should deal with paying little respect to age and calling. Dynamic competitors who discharge a great deal of important minerals through perspiring must utilize supplements as this electrolyte empowers muscle regeneration after increased physical exertion.
Maintaining a normal level is especially important for the elderly as it prevents excessive urine excretion which in turn means an effective fight against osteoporosis.
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