Description:
Potassium is a macro-mineral, it is important for a healthy nervous
system, and a regular heartbeat. It can prevent strokes, provide
for proper muscle contractions, and works with sodium to maintain
proper water balance. Potassium helps to stabilize blood pressure,
and regulates the transfer of nutrients through the cell membranes.
Signs of potassium deficiency include: abnormally dry skin, acne,
chills, constipation, depression, diminished reflex function, edema,
nervousness, insatiable thirst, fluctuations in heartbeat, insomnia,
low blood pressure, muscular fatigue, periodic headaches, dizziness,
and salt retention.
Complimentary Nutrients:
B6, and sodium.
Antagonists:
Excessive salt and sugar, alcohol, and cortisone. Stress increases
the body's need for potassium. Tobacco and caffeine reduce potassium
absorption. Kidney disorders, diarrhea, and the use of diuretics
or laxatives all disrupt potassium levels...
Health Benefits:
Skin, heartbeat, rapid growth, blood, kidneys, muscle contraction,
and nerve tranquilization.
Therapeutic Uses:
High blood pressure, acne, alcoholism , allergies, diabetes, burns,
colic in infants, and heart disease - angina pectoris, congestive
heart failure, myocardial infarction.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Slow irregular heartbeat, weak reflexes, dry skin, constipation,
general weakness, Insomnia, muscle damage, nervousness, acne, and
continuous thirst.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 1875-5625 mg |
99 mg |
200 mg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Foods high in potassium include: dairy, fish, fruit, legumes, meat,
poultry, vegetables, whole grains, apricots, avocados, bananas,
blackstrap molasses, brown rice, dates, peaches, tomato juice, peanuts,
seafood, figs, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, wheat
bran, and yams. Here are some examples.
| Food |
Amount |
MG |
| bananas |
1 medium |
500 |
| baked potatoes |
1 medium |
500 |
| sunflower seeds |
1 cup |
900 |
