Potassium

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PotassiumOur cells contain more potassium than any other mineral.A total of approximately 250 mgs of this nutrient can be found in the adult body.FUNCTIONS AND USESA growing body of evidence indicates that low levels of potassium are associated with high blood pressure and therefore deserve more attention!This association may be especially strong when the sodium to potassium ratio is high.Some researchers feel that in some cases, low potassium may play a more significant role in hypertension than high sodium does.In several studies, for instance, potassium supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure without sodium restriction.As some researchers have pointed out, diets restricted in calories and cholesterol are often recommended to people with cardiovascular disease. It is unfortunate that such diets also tend to reduce nutrients such as calcium and potassium, which may be essential for maintaining normal blood pressure.Potassium may prove to be of value to the cardiovascular system in other ways as well. In one animal study, rats were given stroke-inducing diets. The group that was supplemented with potassium suffered a 2 percent rate of fatal strokes, as compared with the 83 percent rate of the unsupplemented group. In another animal study, potassium supplementation was able to protect against the kidney damage resulting from hypertension. Other UsesPotassium is essential for maintaining the fluid balance in our cells, and is required for the enzymatic reactions taking place within them. Potassium is used to convert Glucose into Glycogen for storage and later release.It is also used for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, hormone secretion and other functions.RDIs and DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSPotassium deficiency symptoms include nausea, vomiting, which can lead to further potassium losses, listlessness, feelings of apprehension, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and cramps, tachycardia, (rapid heartbeat) and in extreme cases, heart failure!There is no Reference Daily Intake for potassium, but it has been estimated that the average American Diet contains from 2 to 6 grams per day.Potassium deficiency can result from severe malnutrition, alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, vomiting or diarrhea or from illnesses that seriously interfere with appetite.Potassium may be depleted following severe tissue injury due to surgery, or burns, and during prolonged fevers.The excessive use of steroids, laxatives, and some diuretics also encourages potassium loss. If a person already has heart disease, low potassium can worsen the picture!In the body potassium must exist in balance with sodium. Although sodium may be an important dietary determinant of blood pressure, variations in the potassium to sodium ratio in the diet affect blood pressure under certain circumstances.So when considering potassium levels, we must consider sodium levels as well and watch out for high sodium foods, including canned goods, luncheon meats, sausages, and frozen foods.Food Sources:Potassium is found in a wide range of foods.Organic meat and fish are good sources. Legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are also respectable sources. People who are taking diuretics for the treatment of high blood pressure are frequently advised to eat fruits such as bananas, oranges and tomatoes for their potassium content.However, the amount of potassium in these foods is minimal compared with the amount excreted in urine as a result of diuretic use!It would take an enormous amount of bananas per day to provide the recommended amount of potassium for a patient taking diuretics! Many physicians often prescribe high-dose potassium supplements for these patients!Bear in mind, too, that potassium is lost through cooking, although the amount of potassium lost varies according to the cooking method used. A boiled potato may have lost up to 50 percent of its original potassium content.A steamed potato, only 3 to 6 percent. SUPPLEMENTSPotassium is available in tablet and liquid form.OPTIMUM DAILY INTAKE- ODISince potassium is so widely available in fresh foods, most people do not require a potassium supplement. Rather, most people should be advised to reduce sodium intake so that a sodium-to-potassium ratio of 1 to 1 is achieved!If however, you wish to take a supplement, the Optimum Daily Intake of potassium is:99-300 mgs for men and women.Your physician may suggest higher levels of potassium if you are taking certain diuretics, or if you are trying to lower your blood pressure. Keep in mind though, that high amounts of this nutrient should be taken only under professional guidance.Remember: If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician before taking supplements.TOXICITY AND ADVERSE EFFECTSPotassium toxicity is seen when daily intakes exceed 18 grams, an amount that is unlikely to be ingested through foods. Toxicity usually occurs only through the uneducated use of supplements, or when an individual has kidney failure. Excess potassium may cause fatigue.JoAnn Guest jgu-Friendsforhea- DietaryTi- http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Botanicals.htmlhttp://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html