Potassium is a mineral found both inside and outside of our body's cells and is more commonly known as one of the body's electrolytes, along with sodium and chloride. Potassium provides many key functions to your body, including nerve and muscle cell function. If potassium levels fall are low in your system, a state known as hypokalemia, potentially dangerous conditions can arise. Having your potassium levels measured your physician is a necessary regulatory tool to make sure your body is functioning optimally.
Potassium Functions
Potassium helps the body to maintain healthy, strong bones; transmit nerve impulses; regulate both your fluid and electrolyte balance, which helps to keep the body hydrated; helps to prohibit water retention; and also helps in blood pressure maintenance. Most importantly, potassium helps to regulate muscle contractions, including one of the most important muscles in your body: your heart.
Low Levels of Potassium
If your body's potassium levels are too low, you might experience symptoms such as weakness, nausea, fatigue, muscle cramps or diarrhea. In more serious cases, chronic low levels of potassium can lead to hypertension and osteoporosis. A diet deficient in potassium can cause kidney stones and, in the most severe cases, heart attacks. Detecting low levels of potassium is as simple as a blood test that is administered by your physician, but deficiency in potassium is rare.
Recommended Levels
For men and women above the age of 19, the recommended daily allowance is 4,700 mg. Women who are breastfeeding need an elevated 5,700 mg. There is also a condition called hyperkalemia, resulting from an increase of 5 times the recommended daily allowance; it is often times caused by acute kidney failure, chronic kidney failure, type 1 diabetes and alcohol abuse. It is important to note that while high levels of potassium are detected by a blood test, sometimes red blood cells rupture during or after the blood is drawn, causing a potassium leakage, and an incorrect reading. If you experience an abnormal result from your tests, retesting is important for a proper diagnosis.
Potassium Sources
Potassium is best derived from whole, unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods. Potatoes are a great source of potassium, providing 930 mg in just one serving. Other foods include pinto beans, bananas, prunes, orange juice, spinach, apples, 1 percent milk, hummus and walnuts. These delicious foods provide your body with a large dose of potassium while providing you with many other important micronutrients.
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