Potassium
Most people are familiar with the name of potassium and know that it is found in many foods. It is a mineral salt and is necessary in the body to maintain the proper pH levels in our body fluids. It also has in role to play in our blood pressure, nervous system, muscle function and bone mass. A potassium deficiency will effect your heart, kidney and adrenal functions. If you are lacking in this electrolyte, then you could experience many health problems.
There are a few factors that can cause you to be lacking in potassium and those who are low in potassium are said to be suffering from Hypokalemia. Usually it is those people with a with a diet that is missing foods high in potassium or they have done too many fad diets or those diets that are experimental. Those suffering from a mineral imbalance can also be those who have kidney problem and those who are diabetic. If you feel that you are always tired and have an overall weakness, then you might be low on potassium. A deficiency in this mineral salt can lead to not only high blood pressure but strokes and heart irregularities. You can do yourself a favor and stock your refrigerator with foods like dairy products, vegetable, whole grains and fresh fruit as these all contain potassium. Poultry, fish foods and meat are also high in potassium but too much meat can cause a rise in acid levels in your body and thus depleting you of potassium.
There are potassium supplements that you can take on a daily basis but this is not necessary if you eat the right foods. Just as a lack of potassium is not good for your body, too much can also cause trouble so unless you doctor has advised you to take potassium supplements, just eat that extra banana or strawberries instead. You can even add a pinch of turmeric to your meals as you cook. Sports minded people usually require potassium supplements because of all the sweating that they do. Sweating can cause a mineral imbalance which is why the sports drinks include electrolytes as do the energy bars. There are some people who, because of their ailment, must monitor the potassium intake and these are the people who will be refueling their potassium amount on a daily basis. We all want a fit and healthy body but a starvation diet is not a good way to go about it as this can ruin your health.
