Eat A Variety Of Foods Rich In Potassium And Treat Your Body To Better Health

Potassium is a vital mineral salt that helps balance the pH of your body's fluids, making it imperative that you maintain a diet of foods rich in potassium. In addition, potassium is important to your body in maintaining healthy blood pressure, proper bone mass, and adrenal functions. It regulates the nervous system, muscle function, as well as your heart, kidney, and renal functions. A deficit in potassium can be very dangerous to the overall health of your body and lead to very serious complications. The good news is that for most people, potassium levels can be maintained with a balanced diet of potassium rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

Medical Conditions

Some people have a condition in which their body does not store potassium; this is known as hypokalemia. In cases such as these, a supplement is required because their bodies do not absorb enough potassium from diets of potassium rich foods alone. On the other hand, people suffering from hyperkalemia store too much potassium and their bodies cannot rid themselves of excess potassium, which can lead to kidney failure. Both conditions are treatable with medical care and carefully monitored diets.

Potassium Rich Foods

Potassium is found in lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are also loaded with lots of other vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Bananas are renowned as potassium rich foods, but there are other options as well, including cantaloupes, oranges, and apricots. Avocados, potatoes, bell peppers, and cauliflower are examples of vegetables that are rich in potassium. Protein sources that supply a punch of potassium include tuna and halibut. These are just a few of the long list of potassium rich foods available.

Symptoms of Low Potassium

Your body will let you know that your potassium levels are not what they should be before your supply is dangerously depleted. If you experience any combination of the following symptoms, consult your physician and increase your intake of potassium rich foods: weakness and tiredness, cramping in the legs or arms, extremely low blood pressure, numbness, or arrhythmias.

How Much is Enough?

Unless you suffer from one of the conditions above, supplements are almost never necessary. Talk to your doctor before adding potassium supplements to your diet; most people can reach healthy potassium levels by eating a few selections from the list of potassium rich foods each day. Athletes, or some people who have physically strenuous occupations, may need to add supplements and eat more potassium rich foods, as potassium is released when we sweat.