Potassium: What is it and what is its function?

Potassium: What is it and what is its function?

Everyone has heard that potassium is important for our bodies to function properly, for example, "eat a banana! The potassium in it will help you with cramping!" But how many of us really know what potassium does and how we can get it?

Well, here it goes, potassium is an electrolyte, an essential mineral found in our bodies. It has many important functions, for example, the balance of water, protein synthesis, muscle contraction, kidney function, and proper functioning of our heart. The main function of potassium is it helps in the conversion of glucose into glycogen. What does that mean? More simply put, potassium is in control of getting fuel to our muscles. Incorporating potassium into your diet can be simple (See list below). An important fact to consider while considering your potassium intake is that sodium opposes potassium. What this means is that if your diet is too high in sodium, your body is not absorbing as much potassium as it could. It is important to keep a healthy balance between the two.

Potassium Deficiency: How do you know if your body needs more potassium? Hypokalemia is the name given to potassium deficiency, although pretty rare, there are symptoms to be aware of. Some of these symptoms include; muscle weakness and constant state of tiredness, water retention, low blood pressure, poor kidney function, and vomiting (which will increase the loss of this mineral even more so).

Potassium Rich Foods:

There are many foods that are rich in this essential mineral. Here are a few to help you reach your daily potassium needs:

Banana
Lima and kidney beans
Avocado
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Oranges
Raisins
Canned tuna

All of these foods listed above with help your body obtain the right amounts of potassium to function properly. Incorporating these foods into your diet can be simple, for example, add a banana every morning for breakfast, or have an orange with lunch. These simple steps can eliminate the need to worry about a potassium deficiency.

Potassium Supplements:
By incorporating the foods listed above in your daily diet, supplementing potassium should not be a major concern. If you are worried about your intake of potassium, most multi-vitamins will contain potassium, it is not normally recommended to take solely potassium sodium unless you are being directed to do so by your physician.

Chani Overstreet
Flower Mound Personal Trainer
www.chanioverstreet.com