Potassium, the alkali metal is a highly reactive element essential for the proper health and functioning of the human body. The human body requires potassium because it works in the form of an electrolyte and helps in conducting electrical charges. Apart from conducting electrical charges, potassium also helps in promoting cardiovascular health by reducing the chance of stroke. It helps in lowering or controlling high blood pressure and is also important for the health of the bones. Bone formation can effectively increase by having a balanced diet that is rich in its content of potassium.
Potassium is one important mineral considered essential for the life of an individual. It is one of the most important minerals needed for the proper functioning of the kidneys, the heart and other important organs of the body. It is one out of the seven significant macrominerals which include magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorous, sulfur and chloride. The human body requires minimum 100 milligrams of potassium on a regular basis for supporting important bodily procedures. Consuming potassium in high quantities can help in reducing the risk of lower blood pressure, stroke, loss of muscle mass, reduction in formation of kidney stones and preservation of bone mineral density. The primary function of potassium in the human body is regulating fluid balance while controlling electrical activity of the heart and the other muscles. Potassium is basically an electrolyte counteracting the influences of sodium while maintaining the acid-base balance of the human body.
Potassium should be one of the most important parts of a balanced and nutritious diet. Citrus fruits, grains and vegetables are the most important sources of potassium. It is also possible to get potassium in good amounts from chicken, salmon, fresh fruit juices, almonds and whole milk. Lime beans, nuts, poultry and potatoes also contain potassium. Nevertheless, the most significant dietary sources of potassium include coconut water, avocados and bananas. It is important to keep in mind that cooking procedures like boiling can destroy the potassium content in foods.
Potassium has an important role to play in the normal functioning of the human brain. High levels of potassium mean more oxygen reaching the brain which further stimulates neural activity and increases cognitive function. Bananas are rich in their content of potassium and this is the only reason why they are called brain foods. Brain strokes can also be prevented to a great extent by having potassium in good quantities. Potassium works in the form of a vasodilator relaxing the blood vessels which helps in the free flow of blood within the body
High levels of potassium can help in an increase in blood sugar. Maintaining normal levels of blood sugar in the body is necessary because blood sugar decrease can result in headache, sweating, trembling, nervousness and weakness. Immediate relief from such situations is only possible with the intake of potassium. It is only because of this reason that diabetic individuals are encouraged to maintain normal levels of potassium
Potassium plays an important role in muscle contraction. Sufficient potassium concentration is needed for proper relaxation and contraction of muscles. Potassium helps in maintaining optimal nerve and muscle function and also keeps the body reflexes fast by stimulating the neural connectivity of the brain and the muscles
Cardiovascular disease and low blood pressure are the result of low intake of potassium. It is always very important for people to ensure proper potassium intake as it helps in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Foods that are rich in their content of potassium help in promoting alkaline environment within the body. This is completely different from the common acidosis which are a result of western diet. Diets that are rich in their content of acidifying foods such as dairy, processed cereal grains and meat trigger metabolic acidosis resulting in the excretion of nitrogen, loss of the mineral density of bones and wastage of muscles. High intake of potassium can always help in increasing bone density.
One of the most important advantages of having foods that are rich in their potassium content is a decrease in muscle cramps and an improvement in the strength of the muscles. Muscle aches, muscle cramps and muscle weakness are the side effects of low levels of potassium. Potassium also helps in treating cramps which are a result of premenstrual syndrome.
Fluid retention is one of the most common reasons behind cellulite formation. There are a lot of people who take in a lot of sodium but are not aware of the importance of their potassium intake. Potassium is also important because it helps in flushing out excessive waste out of the cells. This is the reason why it is beneficial to consume foods that are high in their content of potassium as it can help in reducing cellulite formation.
It has been proved through research that there is a direct relation between the intake of potassium and increased bone density. Bicarbonate and citrate are the two important potassium salts naturally found in vegetables and fruits that contain potassium. It has been found through studies that potassium salts go a long way in improving the health of the bones and in warding off osteoporosis.
The human body needs potassium for processing and using the carbohydrates that it gets through different foods. Potassium is also needed by the body for building muscle and protein. For young individuals with their bodies still in the development phase, potassium helps in ensuring that the development of their body continues at a healthy and normal rate.
The muscles of the body help a lot in getting an individual throughout his or her day. If the muscles do not work in the proper manner, it becomes very difficult for people to carry out their daily activities without getting tired. Potassium has an important role to play in building lean muscle mass and in keeping the muscle healthy for a very long span of time.
Stress, which is one of the most common occurrences in the lives of people in this modern world, can easily be warded off with the proper intake of potassium. Since potassium is effectively used by each and every cell of the human body, it helps in improving the function of the cells and in helping individuals cope up very well with stress
Potassium is important for normal cell respiration and the deficiency of this important mineral can result in decreased oxygen levels which further reduce the efficiency of the cell functions. Potassium in good amounts is used for regulating heartbeat, facilitating normal contraction of the muscles and regulating the transfer of important nutrients to the cells. Potassium is also used for regulating stomach juice secretion and kidney function. One of the most important uses of this mineral in the human body is during the procedure of nerve transmission. Potassium works in the form of a cofactor catalyst activating different enzyme systems. It is therapeutically effective in different ways. It helps in treating alcoholism and acne; promoting faster healing of burns and alleviating allergies.
Excessive intake of potassium can result in serious health issues for individuals. The deficiency of potassium in blood is called hypokalemia resulting in abnormal heart rhythms, increase in blood pressure and weak muscles. Too much potassium in blood is a condition called hypokalemia resulting in dangerous or abnormal heart rhythms.
Excessive intake of potassium can result in serious health issues for individuals. The deficiency of potassium in blood is called hypokalemia resulting in abnormal heart rhythms, increase in blood pressure and weak muscles. Too much potassium in blood is a condition called hypokalemia resulting in dangerous or abnormal heart rhythms.
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