• Potassium

• 4 Products in Potassium

Potassium is the body’s third most abundant mineral, and it ranks high in importance to our well-being. Potassium primarily keeps body fluids in balance, thereby helping facilitate both nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

To accomplish these functions, potassium works closely with sodium and chloride—but with one important difference. While sodium and chloride do their work from just outside the cell, potassium works from the inside. In fact, an estimated 95 percent of the potassium we have is inside the cellular fluid where it is the only ion carrying a positive charge.

When electrolytes are dissolved in water, they conduct electricity. Therefore, electrolytes in the fluids help expedite electrical impulses between cells. They also help monitor the movement of water molecules as they pass through cell membranes.

Among the most important tasks of potassium is to help maintain proper fluid balance inside cells, thereby facilitating the successful transmission of nerve impulses. If the level of potassium in the cells were to significantly vary—either high or low—the performance of our muscles and nerves could be seriously impacted.

Benefits

• Potassium is so important to the metabolic processes taking place in our body that it is essential to the operation of our voluntary muscles (such as arms and legs), and to our involuntary muscles (like intestines and heart).

• In order to maintain a normal heart rhythm, the body requires potassium.

• To regulate muscle contractions and nerve impulses, potassium must be present in the correct amount. When a suitable balance of potassium and sodium exists in a cell, the two can be successfully interchanged as needed.

• Working in conjunction with sodium, potassium controls the quantity of water in a cell and regulates the electrolyte and pH balance.

• Foods high in potassium may be beneficial to heart health.

• Potassium plays a significant role in metabolizing carbohydrates and synthesizing protein from amino acids.

Obtained from:

Potassium tends to be adversely affected by cooking, so fresh foods are among the best dietary sources of potassium. Fresh fruits and vegetables—along with a few meats—make excellent meal choices.

Potassium is particularly abundant in orange juice, green lettuce, raisins, spinach, bananas, potato skins, poultry, salmon, apples, carrot juice, prunes, apricots, and broccoli.

The structure function claims made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.