How Does Potassium Affect Your Body?
Potassium is a mineral that is essential to healthy body function. Potassium, along with sodium, is one of the main body electrolytes. Potassium and sodium together serve to maintain an essential cell membrane balance. This function utilizes 20 to 40 percent of resting energy expenditure in your body. The crucial nature of this function is emphasized by the allotted expenditure your body reserves for the job.
Potassium serves an essential role in many necessary tasks. It is part of the metabolic process and required by enzymes in completion of their activities. A deficiency of potassium causes a condition known as hypokalemia. Potassium deficiency triggers fatigue, muscle cramps and weakness, and intestinal paralysis. Severe cases result in muscular paralysis and cause cardiac arrhythmias.
Recommended intake levels of potassium depend on age and sex. Adolescents and adults should strive to consume 4700 mg per day. Meeting potassium intake levels may lower blood pressure, lower risk of kidney stones, and reduce sensitivity to salt. Higher potassium intake levels have demonstrated a decreased risk of stroke, lower blood pressures, and can increase bone mineral density. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, potatoes with the skin, prune and tomato juice, raisins, artichokes, lima beans, spinach, acorn squash, and raisin bran cereals.
Potassium is a vital mineral responsible for many crucial body functions. It is important that you consume the recommended intake levels to maintain health. Excessive amounts of this mineral can be toxic to your body. Try to consume amounts within close range to the recommended daily levels. There is also a risk of interaction with certain drugs such as anticoagulants, beta blockers and ibuprofen. Make sure to discuss any concerns with your medical professionals.
