One of the important microelements needed by the human body is potassium. It is responsible for maintaining the body's water balance, heart function, muscle and nerve activity, reduces swelling, normalizes blood pressure, removes toxins, and relieves spasms. It also supplies oxygen to the brain, thereby reducing fatigue as well as mental fatigue. The body contains about 250 g. this microelement.
To maintain health, a person must consume potassium in food daily, the norm of which is from 1 to 2 grams per day. Its amount in the body depends on the season. In the spring there is very little of it, and in the fall it almost doubles.
Potassium is excreted through the kidneys. In case of its deficiency, hypokalemia may develop, and subsequently deficiency. Signs of its deficiency are dry skin, slow-healing wounds, brittle hair, tumors, muscle pain, and rapid bruising. A lack of microelement can also lead to arrhythmia, low blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, bone fragility, insomnia and depression. In such cases, the potassium content in food may be insufficient to restore the body, and doctors may prescribe special potassium-containing preparations. The causes of potassium deficiency are heavy workload and stress. Alcohol and sugar slow down its absorption.
What products contain it? the greatest number potassium? Potassium is found in foods of plant origin. First of all, these are vegetables and fruits, legumes and cereals.
The richest in the content of this microelement are the following fruits and berries: oranges and tangerines, grapes, apples, strawberries, bananas, melon, watermelon, rose hips, lingonberries, cherry plums, black and red currants. Potassium is also found in fresh cucumbers, rye bread, cabbage, soybeans, parsley, turnips, oatmeal, nuts. Millet cereal is considered one of the best sources. When millet porridge is heated over a fire, the potassium deficiency in the body is replenished within 24 hours.
There is a large amount of it in potatoes. Daily norm contained in 500 grams of this product. However, when consuming it, you need to be aware that potatoes contain starch, which can cause you to gain weight.
You can compensate for the lack of microelement by rubbing apple cider vinegar into the muscles. To bring your body back to normal, you can also use potassium supplements prescribed by your doctor. It is necessary to consult a doctor so as not to exceed the permissible norm of this microelement in the body.
When eating food, everyone uses table salt, which contains sodium. In order to neutralize harmful effects sodium, the body needs more potassium. Its quantity depends on nutrition, its distribution in the body, and the general condition of the human body.
Potassium contained in food is, in principle, harmless, since it is quickly eliminated from the body in the urine. But in case of poor functioning of the adrenal cortex, disturbances in the normal functioning of cardiac activity, increased urination, and increased excitability may occur. Excess potassium, otherwise called hyperkalemia, leads to severe cell damage, acid-base imbalance, dehydration, kidney problems, shock, disorientation, arrhythmia, drowsiness and weakness, and stomach upset.
Potassium is necessary for athletes, since physical activity increases the load on the cardiovascular system. This microelement normalizes the functioning of organs, regulates heart rate and blood pressure, is directly involved in muscle contractions, ensures the passage of impulses along nerve fibers, and carries out a regulatory function in the distribution of fluid in the body.
This element is simply a miracle, thanks to it the seeds grow, the leaves turn green, the fruits grow, we are waiting for the harvest. For the human body, potassium is an important macronutrient for every cell; without it there is no life.
In its pure form, potassium is obtained only in the laboratory; in nature it is combined with other elements. Potassium compounds are found in various products, thanks to them we receive this valuable element.
Which important role potassium in the human body?
Functions of potassium in the body
What functions does potassium perform in the body?
- Regulates water and salt processes and prevents swelling.
- Normalizes blood pressure.
- Prevents anemia.
- Promotes proper heart rhythm.
- Improves oxygen supply to the brain.
- Eliminates vascular spasms.
- Increases the body's endurance.
- Vital for nervous systems s.
- Playing main role in the transfer of neutralized ammonia to the excretory system. Relieves ammonia poisoning and is needed for proper kidney function.
- Participates in the synthesis of proteins, the generation of energy, the production of insulin by pancreatic cells and other processes important for life.
What foods replenish the lack of potassium in the body?
Potassium in foods:
When cooking, 60% of potassium goes into the water; if you cook soup, then this is good, but vegetables for a side dish are better consumed raw or steamed.
To avoid losing potassium, it is better to stew beef liver.
Bananas, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage also contain vitamin B6, which promotes the complete absorption of potassium.
There are more macronutrients in dried fruits than in fresh ones.
What products do we get the element with?
- beans;
- cabbage;
- potato;
- dried apricots;
- melon;
- kiwi;
- bananas;
- citrus;
- broccoli;
- avocado;
- fish;
- milk;
- chocolate;
- grape;
- liver.
Potassium that comes with food is absorbed almost completely.
Lack of potassium in the human body
What can cause a shortage of a valuable element?
What are the consequences of potassium deficiency in the body?
- From the nervous system - memory impairment, apathy, drowsiness, loss of strength.
- From the outside cardiovascular system- increased blood pressure, arrhythmia, vascular spasms.
- From the musculoskeletal system - muscle weakness, joint pain, cramps.
- Swelling appears.
- Constipation.
- Bloating.
- Dry skin.
- Brittle nails.
- Loss of appetite.
Potassium requirement in the human body
The need for potassium in the body depends on a number of reasons:
- body weight;
- physical activity;
- seasons, for example, in summer the need for the element is high, as we sweat more;
- human health.
An adult needs potassium - 1100 to 5000 mg.
It is important to note that with a sufficient amount of potassium in a man’s body, it reduces the possibility of death from a stroke.
But too much potassium can also be harmful.
Nervousness, pallor, and heart rhythm disturbances appear. An overdose of potassium when taken with food is impossible; it appears with kidney disease and improper intake of potassium.
To find out if you have enough potassium, you need to conduct a laboratory test. Potassium deficiency is a decrease to 3 mmol per liter of blood.
Cake to replenish potassium deficiency in the body
Bounty cake with potassium.
Take 175 g:
- chocolate, preferably dark;
- almonds;
- granulated sugar;
- butter
Beat soft butter with five yolks. Melt the chocolate in a water bath, add butter with yolks, add chopped almonds.
Beat the whites well until foamy and add them. Pour the resulting mixture into the mold and place in the oven (180 degrees) for 45 minutes. When cool, cut into squares and enjoy the taste.
100 grams of almonds contain 807 mg of potassium.
Conclusion: potassium in the body is very important, try to avoid its deficiency, eat more foods with microelements, eat fresh or steamed vegetables for garnish.
Best regards, Olga.
We have been familiar with potassium (K) since school, when in chemistry lessons we looked at the periodic system of chemical elements by D.I. Mendeleev. Potassium is an alkali metal, with atomic number – 19. Color – silvery-white. A large amount of it is found in minerals, and is found mainly in combination with other chemical elements.
Ranks seventh in abundance among elements earth's crust. So we gave you a little chemistry lesson.
Why is potassium needed in the human body?
Potassium is simply essential for the normal functioning of the heart., it can even be called the “heart” element. Eliminates arrhythmias and strengthens the heart muscle, balances blood pressure, prevents atherosclerosis, improves the functioning of blood vessels and capillaries.
Affects cells of the liver, kidneys and other organs. Participates in water-salt metabolism, promotes the removal of excess fluid from the body, thereby preventing swelling and urinary retention. Stabilizes the amount of tissue fluids.
It fights well and plays a huge role in supplying the brain with oxygen. Eliminates toxins and manifestations. All soft fabrics Our body needs potassium.
Acts as a catalyst for carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
Potassium requirement
A person should consume about 3–5 g of potassium per day. If you are involved in active sports, are emotionally overloaded, take diuretics and sweat a lot, then daily dose potassium increases.
Potassium is absorbed from the intestines, and removed from the body through the kidneys.
Excess potassium in the body is manifested by the following symptoms:
- irritability;
- excitability;
- hyperactivity;
- frequent urination;
- muscle weakness;
- sweating;
- arrhythmias;
- impaired contractility of the heart muscle;
- neurological disorders;
- neurocirculatory dystonia;
- colic in the intestines.
When large doses of potassium are ingested, cardiac paralysis may occur.
Lack of potassium in the body leads to further disorders:
- cardiac arrest;
- decreased immunity;
- skin rashes;
- insomnia;
- depression;
- swelling;
- muscle weakness;
- cholesterolemia;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- impaired glucose tolerance;
- increased thirst.
Potassium in food
Potassium can be found in many foods, both plant and animal. With a balanced diet, a person gets enough of this mineral substance, which allows our organs and systems to work smoothly.
Let's take a look Potassium-rich foods by season.
Summer-autumn period
Summer and autumn are the best time to be saturated with all vitamins and microelements. At this time, it is necessary to supply your body with such products as:
- tomatoes;
- cucumbers;
- grape;
- apricots;
- currant;
- salad;
- spinach;
- asparagus;
- parsley;
- radish;
- peas;
- corn;
- watermelons and melons;
- bread made from rye flour;
- broccoli;
- milk;
- fish.
Winter and spring products
In winter and spring we get potassium from the following products:
- fish;
- meat;
- milk;
- baked potatoes;
- prunes;
- legumes;
- bananas;
- carrot;
- cabbage;
- dried apricots and raisins;
- citrus;
- avocado;
- garlic;
- rye bread;
- oatmeal and cereals.
Baked potatoes must be eaten with the skin on. This vegetable is available in any season and is inexpensive. But the benefits from it are enormous.
Try to start your morning with cereals - or oatmeal. In addition to them, drink a glass of milk or kefir. Energy and vigor will accompany you all day.
Between meals, it is useful to include citrus products, banana or grated carrots with honey. This snack will enrich you not only with potassium, but also with a whole spectrum of vitamins.
If you want to drink tea, put the buns and sweets aside, and put a bowl of dried apricots, figs, prunes and raisins. Such sweets will only bring great benefits to the body.
How to preserve potassium when cooking?
Fruits are recommended for consumption raw, then potassium and all useful components do not lose their properties. If it is a sour fruit, you can add a little. All kinds of fruit purees are made for children using a blender.
Vegetables are served boiled, baked and raw. A raw food diet is ideal, but if heat treatment is needed, it is better to prefer baked foods. Under no circumstances should vegetables be overcooked until they are lost. appearance, let them remain slightly undercooked. Our goal is to preserve the potassium content and all useful substances as much as possible.
Oatmeal can be poured with warm milk or water, and allowed to stand for 30 minutes under the lid, covered with a towel on top. Then you can add fruit or raisins.
It is better to add water to the buckwheat in the evening and leave it overnight. In the morning, when you wake up, the buckwheat is ready. It should be heated over a fire and salt should be added to taste. A glass of fermented baked milk or yogurt would be a good addition. This breakfast reduces blood sugar and cleanses blood vessels.
Include in your diet whenever possible Avocado is an invaluable source of potassium. Avocado pulp goes well with eggs, onions, vegetables, lemon, shrimp and salmon. You can prepare a variety of unusual and nutritious salads. Astronauts must include this fruit in their diet.
Potassium mixture recipe
Dried fruits: figs, raisins, prunes and dried apricots are used to prepare a potassium mixture.
We take 300 grams of all dried fruits and grind them in a meat grinder. Add 1.5 cups of chopped walnuts, two twisted lemons and a glass of honey, better than May honey. Mix everything thoroughly and leave to store in a cool place. Eat a dessert spoon three times a day in between meals.
It is advisable to prepare such a mixture in the fall and spring, when our body is most vulnerable, and that’s all. chronic diseases are getting worse. By consuming a potassium mixture, you can rest assured about the potassium content in your body. The cardiovascular system will improve its functioning, attacks of arrhythmia and extrasystoles will decrease.
Potassium preparations
The most popular potassium preparations include: asparkam, panangin and potassium chloride.
These drugs are prescribed for hypokalemia, and only after determining potassium in the blood. Its norm is 3.5 mmol/l - 5 mmol/l. After the analysis, the doctor prescribes potassium supplements and sets the dosage.
Any drugs have contraindications and side effects Therefore, it is better to replenish the body’s potassium reserves from Mother Nature! Potassium from natural products absorbed much faster!
Lebeychuk Natalia Vladimirovna, Phytotherapist and Homeopath. ©
Potassium, with atomic number nineteen, belongs to group 1 of period 4 of the periodic table of Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev. The element is represented by the symbol K. Potassium is a soft alkali metal with a silvery-white color.
IN environment the element does not occur in pure form; it can only be found in compounds with other chemical elements.
The wonderful properties of the described macroelement were known back in the twentieth century. Potassium was used as a fertilizer and to create potash (a detergent).
In 1807, potassium was first isolated as a separate element thanks to a scientist named Humphry Davy, who conducted scientific experiments with caustic potassium.
Potassium is very important and beneficial for humans. The element takes part in all vital processes occurring in the body. Although this substance is considered a fairly common element, medical officials say that almost every fifth person has a lack of potassium.
The role of potassium in the human body
Potassium plays an important role in the human body. Why is this needed? chemical element? Medical professionals name several very important factors why potassium is so important for the human body:
- Normalizes oxygen exchange, thereby improving brain activity.
- Normalizes metabolic processes, helping the body break down or absorb other elements necessary for health. If you have been following a diet for a long period of time, and your body weight still remains the same, it means that you do not have enough potassium in your diet.
- Normalizes functions genitourinary system, preventing stagnation of liquid and accumulation of waste.
- Maintains normal magnesium levels in the body, which protects the heart.
- Positively affects muscle tissue. The macroelement constantly monitors muscle tone, restoring it after each heavy physical activity. Potassium also prevents cramps and aching pain.
- Helps strengthen bones. Although calcium and fluoride are involved in the formation of strong bones, potassium is also necessary for the development of healthy bones. The latter macronutrient helps protect bones from osteoporosis.
- By constantly consuming foods rich in potassium, you will prevent the risk of diseases associated with the cardiovascular system. The described element helps reduce blood pressure, normalize heart rate, and strengthen blood vessels.
- It is used in the treatment of diseases associated with the nervous system, helping to stabilize the general condition, getting rid of prolonged depressive states and breakdowns. Also helps eliminate fatigue syndrome.
- Takes a direct active part in the utilization of glucose, and is also responsible for the proper contraction of muscle fibers.
- Maintains fluid balance and intracellular pressure at the proper level. In addition, potassium is found in all fluids in the body.
- Improves the ratio of the amount of energy entering the body with the energy that was consumed by the body.
Medicines that contain sufficient concentrations of potassium are prescribed to treat serious diseases such as:
- atherosclerosis;
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- hepatitis;
- hypertension;
- osteoporosis;
- diabetes mellitus
With potassium deficiency in the body, the nervous and cardiovascular systems are mainly affected.
This chemical element penetrates into the human body when consuming potassium-containing food and water. Complete absorption of the macronutrient occurs directly in the intestine. Potassium is excreted from the body along with urine. Since the described substance does not accumulate in the body, the need for potassium becomes daily.
Daily intake of the substance
In order not to cause a deficiency or excess of a substance in the body, you need to know exactly daily norm potassium, which is beneficial to the human body. Below is a list of patient categories and the amount of potassium needed for each category (amount in milligrams)::
- small children under two years old – 400-600;
- children from three to five years old – 3000;
- children from six to eight years old – 3800;
- children from nine to thirteen years old - 4500;
- teenagers – 4600;
- adults – 4700;
- pregnant women and during breastfeeding – no more than 5100;
- during physical activity and during the treatment period - no more than 5000.
Macronutrient deficiency
A lack of potassium in the body can be caused by a number of serious reasons, namely:
- diseases of the kidneys and digestive organs;
- poor nutrition;
- dehydration of the body after consuming medicinal compounds or after poisoning;
- failure of almost all important metabolic processes in the body;
- consumption of large quantities of various sweets, coffee, alcoholic beverages;
- excessive intake of macroelements into the body that promote the excretion of potassium.
Symptoms of potassium deficiency in the body:
- diseases of the reproductive system;
- the occurrence of erosions and ulcers on the mucous membrane;
- high blood pressure;
- the skin becomes dry, the condition of the nail plate and curls worsens;
- weakened immune system;
- swelling of the face and limbs;
- constant feeling of tiredness;
- problems with stool;
- regular muscle cramps;
- chronic exhaustion;
- frequent urination;
- rapid pulse and breathing.
Pregnant women with a lack of potassium in the body experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, nausea, and toxicosis throughout pregnancy.
With prolonged macronutrient deficiency, there is a risk of developing arrhythmia, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, as well as acid-base balance disorders.
How to check potassium levels in the body? To do this, you can take a blood test, which will show the content of the element inside the body.
How to fill the body with potassium? If you have a deficiency of this substance, experts advise introducing foods that contain large amounts of potassium into your diet. Doctors may also prescribe medications that increase potassium levels in the body. Among such medicines, “Potassium chloride”, “Asparkam”, “Potassium foam” stand out. Under no circumstances should you try to take this type of medication yourself, because there are contraindications for use. It is best to consult a doctor for advice.
Excess potassium in the body
Excess potassium in the body is fraught with very serious consequences, which will further negatively affect overall health. Experts call these reasons for the appearance of excess potassium in the body::
- lack of insulin;
- renal failure;
- regular adherence to a diet that uses foods rich in potassium;
- failure in metabolic processes;
- change in hormonal levels;
- consumption of potassium-containing medicinal compounds in very large quantities.
A single intake of six grams of potassium can cause disruption of basic body functions. If the concentration of potassium in the body exceeds fourteen grams, then such a dose will become fatal to a person.
Symptoms of excess potassium in the body:
- arrhythmia;
- the occurrence of a nervous state;
- high excitability;
- colic in the intestines and stomach;
- increased anxiety;
- heavy urination;
- convulsions, muscle tremors, as well as paralysis that occurs in very severe cases;
- increased sweating;
- increased blood sugar levels.
Also, with an excess of potassium in the body, both women and men (mainly with an increased concentration of the macroelement in the blood) experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness and short-term darkening of the eyes.
Excess potassium in the body can negatively affect the functioning of the heart, as well as provoke the development of urolithiasis or diabetes.
How to remove potassium from the body? Doctors prescribe special drugs that remove potassium, which are presented in the form of tablets or the medicine must be administered intravenously. In addition, doctors can prescribe a cation exchange resin, which absorbs potassium and removes the element from the intestines along with stool. The resin is introduced into the body orally, without being absorbed into the internal organs.
Also prescribed to patients with excess potassium intravenous administration calcium and insulin injections if necessary.
Products containing the chemical element
- with a low content of the substance (less than one hundred milligrams per one hundred grams of product);
- with an average level of element concentration (one hundred grams of product contains approximately one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty milligrams of potassium);
- high in potassium (approximately 250 to 390 milligrams);
- with an increased concentration of macronutrients (more than four hundred milligrams).
What foods contain potassium? Below is a table of food sources containing the described macronutrient.
Product name | |
|---|---|
boletus, porcini mushroom, chanterelles, champignons. |
|
Cereals | Oats, buckwheat, millet. |
Meat products and by-products | Liver, lamb, beef and poultry. |
Cabbage, pumpkin, tomato, zucchini, carrots, radishes, beets, lettuce, cucumber and spinach. |
|
Hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, cedar. |
|
Legume family products | Beans, peas and soybeans. |
Dairy products | Butter, kefir, cottage cheese, milk, hard cheese. |
Fish products | Mackerel, cod, tuna. |
Fresh fruits and berries | Apricot, lingonberry, banana, grapes, melon, currant, citrus fruits, cranberry, apple, blueberry, viburnum, and blackberry. |
Dried fruits | Figs, dried apricots, prunes and raisins. |
As mentioned above, all products containing potassium are divided into four groups. We have given you a list of food sources that contain this macronutrient. Now let's find out which foods are high in potassium and which are low, as it is very important for your health.
Foods rich in potassium (volume indicated in mg):
- with high content - beets (258), apricot (306), cod (340), greens (340), banana (379);
- with medium concentration – peach (203), citrus fruits (180-197);
- with a high level of content - salmon (490), Chinese cabbage (494), potatoes (568), lentils (670), hazelnuts (717), spinach (836), green peas (870), kelp (970), dried apricots (1715 ).
Products low in potassium (concentration of the substance is indicated in mg per hundred grams of product):
- butter – 30;
- honey – 52;
- flour from white rice – 76;
- wheat flour, apple – 107;
- ricotta – 105;
- white rice – 86;
- lard – 65;
- herring (low-fat) – 31.
- sour cream (thirty percent only) – 95;
- Parmesan cheese – 92;
- Roquefort cheese – 91;
- cottage cheese (one percent only) – 86.
Medical officials claim that this chemical element is removed from food under the influence of high temperatures, and also in combination with liquids. Therefore, to maintain normal potassium concentrations in foods, you should:
- dishes should be subjected to minimal heat treatment;
- cook food in a small volume of water;
- Do not overcook the products and do not simmer them for a long time, but it is better to bake them in the oven;
- eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.
What foods remove potassium from the body? Experts provide a list of sources such as water, herbs (chamomile, nettle, mint) and vegetables that help remove excess potassium from the human body.
The concentration of potassium is also removed from the body when consuming caffeine, alcohol and sweets.
Interaction with vitamins and minerals
In order for the potassium content in the body to be normal, you should know which vitamins and minerals this chemical element interacts with well and with which poorly. For example, potassium combines well with sodium and magnesium, promoting better absorption of magnesium and faster removal of sodium from the body.
Potassium also interacts well with vitamin B6, which helps potassium be better absorbed in the body.
Preparations containing potassium
- capsules;
- solutions, as well as soluble tablets;
- film-coated tablets.
Experts identify the following medicinal formulations that contain this macroelement:
- "Asparkam." The preparation contains one hundred and seventy-five milligrams of magnesium aspartate and the same amount of potassium. The package may contain from twenty to fifty tablets. Medicine used for diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- "Potassium orotate." Sold in tablet form containing five hundred milligrams of potassium. The package can contain from ten to fifty tablets.
- "Potassium chloride". The composition is produced in tablets (the amount of potassium varies from 500 to 1500 milligrams), as well as ampoules (volume 40 mg/ml), which are administered intravenously. The drug in ampoules belongs to the “hot” injections.
- "Kudesan." The drug is a complex of magnesium and potassium containing ubichon, which is responsible for improving the condition of the immune system.
- "Panangin". The drug contains approximately 45.2 milligrams of potassium, as well as large amounts of magnesium.
- IonicKalium. The drug is available in the form of a spray of sixty milliliters containing potassium ions. The spray is administered under the tongue, from where the element is then absorbed into the mucous membrane without entering the digestive system.
In small concentrations, potassium is included in such vitamin-containing products as Teravit Antistress (about eighty milligrams), Vitrum, Vitalux and Centrus. The last three drugs contain approximately forty milligrams of potassium.
For medicinal purposes, doctors prescribe medications to patients containing a fairly high concentration of potassium, such as Asparaginate, Pamaton, Orocamag, Aspacard and others.
What do you need to know when consuming potassium-containing compounds?
- All vitamins or tablets containing this element should be taken after meals.
- It is not advisable to chew capsules and tablets. The composition in liquid form is often injected directly under the tongue.
- Medicines that need to be dissolved in liquid (juice or water) should be taken in small sips within five minutes after diluting the composition in liquid.
- It is not allowed to self-administer potassium-containing drugs in ampoules.
- The tablets must be taken with a sufficient amount of water.
We have given you several types of medicinal formulations that contain potassium. However, you should not prescribe any drug to yourself without the permission of your attending physician, so as not to cause harm to your health. Your healthcare professional will tell you and explain which drug is best for you and how to take it.
Potassium, together with sodium, takes part in water metabolism: sodium binds water, potassium washes it away. In addition, it is important for the functioning of the heart, muscle and nervous systems. The essential mineral potassium is absolutely necessary for life and the functioning of every living cell. Understanding its role is critical in the practice of medicine.
Do you suffer from constipation and take laxatives? Do you often complain about your heart? Are your thoughts incoherent and your ability to concentrate has decreased? Are your muscles weakened? These symptoms may indicate a lack of potassium in the body.
What is potassium for?
Main role potassium– maintaining the normal functioning of cell walls. This is achieved through a harmonious balance with sodium. Potassium is found inside cells and sodium is found outside. Second Primary Responsibility potassium consists of maintaining the concentration and physiological functions of magnesium, the main nutrient for the heart; If your blood levels of one of these minerals are low, the levels of another will likely be low as well.
Ensuring cellular balance by supplying the body potassium is one of the most important cancer and heart disease protection strategies we can follow. Getting enough potassium is more important for regulating blood pressure than limiting salt intake. In addition, potassium is needed for optimal energy, nerve health, physical strength and endurance, and a wide range of other functions.
More than thirty studies under strictly controlled conditions show the success of using potassium to lower blood pressure.
People with high blood pressure, unless they have kidney disease, need to follow a diet rich in potassium. In contrast to sodium, potassium lowers blood pressure.
Here's what the famous American cardiologist Dr. Atkins says about this:
“Personally, when treating hypertensive patients, I consider it my main task to wean patients from diuretic drugs that waste potassium. These medications are of no use; their use not only aggravates the danger of hypertension, further depleting potassium and (quite possibly to dangerously low levels) but also causes the body to produce increased amounts of biochemicals that it normally uses to raise blood pressure.”
Consequences of potassium deficiency
Most likely cause potassium deficiency there may be a disease. Vomiting, diarrhea or sweating in severe cases can lead to the loss of a sufficient amount potassium, so that its concentration in the body drops to dangerously low levels. Injuries also cause a sharp decrease in concentration potassium(50% to 68% of trauma patients have reduced levels potassium in the blood).
But main reason increasing prevalence of hypokalemia (low level potassium in the blood) is the widespread use of diuretics, which are usually prescribed for hypertension or heart failure.
Approximately 20% of people taking “water pills,” as the drugs are called in the United States, experience hypokalemia. Two other common types of antihypertensive drugs—acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and beta blockers—also reduce blood pressure levels. potassium in the blood. This is exactly the opposite of what people with heart disease need most.
This trend may be facilitated by a diet that is poor potassium, since it is unable to help restore its depleted reserves. Agricultural production based on the use of chemicals, as well as processing processes, can reduce the content of this mineral in food. Manufacturers compound this problem by adding sodium to their products—and increased content sodium leads to a lack of potassium in the body. In fact, the body spends more than a third of its energy maintaining potassium-sodium balance in cells.
In countries that consume more natural, potassium-rich food sources, the incidence of cancer and heart disease is significantly lower. Residents of these countries have a ratio of potassium to sodium in their diet that is often hundreds of times higher than, for example, Americans.
Meaning potassium for the cardiovascular system is probably due to its interdependence with magnesium. At reduced level potassium there is a greater risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, heart failure and stroke. Potassium is so closely associated with the heart that its blood levels can accurately predict the likelihood of heart rhythm disturbances.
Consuming one serving of potassium-rich food daily can nearly halve the risk of death from stroke, one study found. However, cardiologists tend to prescribe dangerous pharmacological drugs to treat heart disease.
Even when the goal is to help the body retain potassium and magnesium, doctors prefer to use medications rather than the safer option of therapeutic amounts of missing minerals.
Weakness and fatigue may be the most common indicator potassium deficiency in the body.
Leg cramps, especially those that wake you up in the middle of the night, may also be due to low levels of this mineral (as well as magnesium and ).
In this regard, many, due to the low concentration of electrolyte in the blood, cannot climb even one flight of stairs without getting tired.
Followers of low-calorie diets and lovers of strenuous exercise are especially susceptible to potassium deficiency loss of energy. The same can be said about older people. Insufficient quantity potassium and magnesium may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Often, just replenishing mineral reserves in the body with equal amounts potassium and magnesium is enough to restore muscle tone, increase energy levels and increase endurance. Results can often be noticeable within a week. If this duo doesn't help on its own, it may still be a useful addition in treating other types of fatigue.
