Potassium is a vital mineral which is involved in many functions of the body. More than 98% of the body's potassium is located within cells, which demonstrates how important potassium is for normal cell function and our health in general.
Normally, we take in enough potassium with a healthy diet which includes plenty of vegetables and fruit. Bananas, potatoes, oranges, avocados, dried apricots, raisins, dates, vegetable juice, soya beans, spinach and mushrooms are particularly rich in potassium.
Potassium is a natural opponent of sodium. A balance between sodium and potassium is essential to maintain the correct water content of the cells and to regulate many processes in our metabolism.
- it is critical to normal blood pressure
- responsible for the creation and transmission of normal heart stimuli
- ensures correct transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles
- contributes to the normal function of the nervous system
- important for a healthy acid-alkaline-balance
- important for the protein and carbohydrate metabolism
- prevents excess calcium excretion through the kidneys
Today's diet often contains too much salt (sodium) and too little potassium, which may lead to high blood pressure. A diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables and contains plenty of potassium but little salt is essential for healthy blood pressure. Too little potassium in the blood can also cause heart palpitations.
Excessive salt intake from food results in increased calcium excretion. Potassium counteracts sodium and reduces the loss of calcium through the kidneys, thus helping to reduce the depletion of calcium from bones.
Potassium is essential for the transmission of impulses between nerves and also from nerves to muscles. Potassium deficiency can lead to disruption of these transmissions, which may result in a decrease in the muscle's ability to contract, resulting in disturbances of muscle function.
