Minerals

	Boron
	Calcium
	Chromium
	Copper
	Germanium
	Iodine
	Iron
	Magnesium
	Manganese
	Molybdenum
	Phosphorus
	Potassium
	Selenium
	Silicon
	Sodium
	Sulfur
	Vanadium
	Zinc

Potassium - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms and Food Sources

What is Potassium?

Potassium is one of the essential mineral for humans. It is an electrolyte which plays a critical role in the body's regulation of water. It is a mineral used for potassium deficiency in the human body for both man and women as well as for children too . Potassium, together with sodium and potassium inside the cell of the human body play important role and sodium in the fluid surrounding the cell, work together for the nervous system to transmit messages as well as regulating the contraction of muscles.

Uses and Benefits of Potassium

Potassium helps to regulate muscle contractions like heart contractions - through a series of complex chemical and electrical interactions. Because it helps the body to handle sodium, helps maintain blood pressure within acceptable ranges. Potassium is involved in the storage of carbohydrates for use by muscles as fuel. Potassium, together with sodium, helps to regulate the blood pressure and is important for the proper function of the heart and kidneys.

Recommended Dosage for Potassium

The recommended daily allowance for potassium is 3.5 grams per day. The average American diet provides 2 to 6 grams of potassium per day. Children in between the age 9 to 12 years old can take 4,500 mg potassium daily. Children in between the age 4 to 8 years old can take 3,900 mg potassium daily, And for adult 4,800 mg potassium daily.

Deficiency Symptoms of Potassium

Hypokalemia is most commonly illness of excessive loss of potassium, e.g., from prolonged vomiting, the use of some diuretics, some forms of kidney disease, or disturbances of metabolism. The symptoms of hypokalemia are related to alterations in membrane potential and cellular metabolism. Other reported symptoms of potassium deficiency include constipation, poor appetite, abnormally dry skin, acne, depression, diarrhea, diminished reflex function, edema, nervousness, insatiable thirst, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholesterol levels, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, proteinuria (protein in the urine), respiratory distress, and salt retention.

Rich Food Sources of Potassium

Potassium is found most of the foods which we use in daily eating food like leafy green vegetables, broccoli, peas, tomatoes, and potatoes; oranges and other citrus fruits, bananas, apples, avocados, and raisins; whole grains, wheat germ, and nuts; and fish like salmon and snapper.

Cautions and Some Side effects of Potassium

People who have consumed an adequate amount of potassium have a lower chance getting a stroke. In addition, may prevent the development of kidney stones. If there is no pathological cause for increased potassium levels, the kidneys are able to handle a large amount of potassium, and prevent the blood levels from increasing.