Potassium

Potassium

Potassium helps with nervous system function, muscle contraction, maintaining the body's water balance, and maintaining normal blood pressure and blood sugar.Our body does not have the ability to produce potassium naturally, so one way to maintain optimal potassium levels in the body is to eat foods rich in potassium..

Signs of Potassium deficiency

Symptoms of potassium deficiency: 1 irritability; 2 muscle weakness; 3 cramps; 4 abnormal heart rhythm; 5 constipation; 6 fatigue.Potassium levels below 2.5 mmol/L are considered life-threatening and can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, muscle breakdown, lazy bowel syndrome, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke..

Signs of Potassium excess

Symptoms of potassium overdose: 1 diarrhea; 2 nausea; 3 upset stomach; 4 vomiting; 5 increased gas; 6 weakness; 7 allergic reactions (such as rashes and itching); 8 seizures; 9 general weakness..

Main sources of Potassium in nutrition

Sources: dried fruits and nuts - apricots, prunes, raisins, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, seeds; legumes - beans, peas; spices - saffron, dried mint, oregano.

Interesting fact

Potassium and sodium have the opposite effect on water metabolism in the body.Potassium takes out water and sodium retains water.Therefore, it is important to remember the correct ratio of these two elements - 1:20 in favor of potassium.The optimal ratio is seen in potatoes and peas.

Daily requirement of Potassium

Infants
0-3 mo.700 mcg
5-7 mo.400 mcg
8-12 mo. mcg
Children
1-3 yr1 g
3-7 yr1.5 g
7-11 yr2 g
Men
11-14 yr2.5 g
14-18 yr3.2 g
>19 yr3.5 g
Women
11-14 yr2.5 g
14-18 yr3.2 g
>19 yr3.5 g