Potassium is the third most abundant mineral found in the human body. Along with sodium, chloride and magnesium, potassium serves as one of the body's critical electrolytes. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that act as chemical messengers in our body --- they are vital to our health, as they impact our internal levels of hydration, regulate neural pathways and control muscular activities. Potassium itself also serves to control blood pressure and helps the body convert sugars into energy. As such, maintaining adequate levels of potassium is essential to sustaining a number of vital bodily functions and ensuring continued good health.
Hydration
Potassium is important in helping maintain the body's fluid balance along with another important electrolyte --- sodium. When we sweat, our bodies lose potassium, so it is important to replenish its levels following exercise or extreme physical exertion. The daily recommended allowance for potassium is approximately 3.5 g. Low levels of potassium, a condition known as hypokalemia, can lead to symptoms such as weakness or fatigue, while more pronounced deficiencies can eventually have a negative impact on the heart. An electrolyte imbalance can be a potentially serious health concern and should always be treated under the care of a physician.
Cardiovascular Health
Maintaining a healthy balance between potassium and sodium is also critical to regulating blood pressure and the overall health of the heart. Elevated levels of sodium in relation to potassium can lead to high blood pressure, which is also referred to as hypertension. As such, eating foods high in potassium like bananas, potatoes, avocados, chicken and fish, or even taking potassium supplements, can potentially help lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of heart attacks or other cardiovascular-related ailments.
Neural and Muscular Functioning
Many of the body's muscle and nerve cells have specialized channels that help move potassium both in and out of these cells. As such, potassium is an important component of nerve transmissions and muscular contraction throughout the human body --- it even regulates the muscles that control our intestines. In relation to the neural and muscular systems, a diet that is deficient in potassium could manifest itself in muscle cramping, irritability and even depression.
Energy Conversion
Potassium is essential for maintaining the body's blood sugar levels by converting carbohydrates into glycogen, which is subsequently stored by the muscles and liver and later used for energy. As such, when taken as a dietary supplement, potassium can alleviate symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and it is also used in the treatment of diabetes.
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