What Part Does Potassium Play In Nutrition And Medicine?

One of the most important mineral as a nutrient for humans is potassium which basically maintains fluid and electrolyte balance in the human body. It is also essential because it permits muscle contraction and helps in regulating the nerve impulses.

Potassium regulates the oxygen levels in the human body and decrease in potassium will lead to problems in breathing. A deficiency of potassium in body fluids can also end up in a fatal condition known as hypokalemia which is a result of diarrhea and increased amounts of vomiting.

A person who has low levels of potassium in his nutrition will feel weakened muscles, paralysis, ECG abnormalities and problems in breathing properly. The best way to stay healthy is to have proper diet which contain potassium and this will be best in a balanced diet. Best sources of potassium prevail in foods such as orange juice, fruits and vegetables and meats. If a person has hypertension problems he can be treated with potassium supplements.

Potassium is used in many medicines especially for treating heart diseases and blood pressure. Patients of kidney diseases undergoing dialysis are advised to take low levels of potassium because kidneys are responsible for controlling the excretion of potassium.

Easter1982 gave a very good explanation of the importance of potassium.  My Grandmother lived to be 103.  One of her secrets to health was to eat a banana everyday and also to take one tablespoon of molasses.  Both are very high in potassium!