Potassium
is an essential mineral needed to regulate water balance, levels of acidity,
blood pressure, and neuromuscular function. This mineral also plays a
critical role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the heart.
People with low blood levels of potassium
who are undergoing heart surgery are at an increased risk of developing
heart arrhythmias and an increased need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Potassium is also required for carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
Most fruits are excellent sources of potassium.
Beans, milk, and vegetables contain significant amounts of potassium.
High blood pressure can be a symptom for people
not taking potassium, which in turn is sparing diuretics, which can
lead to Kidney stones. Low potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmia,
congestive heart failure, premenstrual syndrome and Stroke.
So-called primitive diets provided much greater
levels of potassium than modern diets, which may provide too little. Gross
deficiencies, however, are rare except in cases of prolonged vomiting,
diarrhea, or use of “potassium-depleting” diuretic drugs. People taking one
of these drugs are often advised by their doctor to take supplemental
potassium. Prescription amounts of potassium provide more than the amounts
sold over the counter but not more than the amount found in several pieces
of fruit.
Potassium and sodium work together in the body to
maintain muscle tone, blood pressure, water balance, and other functions.
Many researchers believe that part of the blood pressure problem caused by
too much salt (which contains sodium) is made worse by too little dietary
potassium.
