Potassium is a macromineral that helps your body convert carbohydrates into energy for your cells. Any process that uses or creates energy is considered part of your metabolism. Therefore, to have a healthy and active metabolism, you need to be sure that your body has the potassium that it needs to function optimally.
How Does Potassium Impact Your Metabolism?
Minerals are essential for the proper functioning of your cells, tissues and organs. They also play a major role in your metabolism. Potassium, for example, is important in the function of several enzymes that are used in various chemical reactions throughout your body. One enzyme that requires potassium is pyruvate kinase, according to Oregon State University. This enzyme is used in the breakdown of carbohydrates from foods, which contributes energy to power your metabolism. This energy is used to circulate your blood, breathe oxygen, digest and absorb food, contract your muscles, run your nervous system and eliminate waste products from your body.
Potassium RDA
To ensure that your body has the potassium that it needs to run your metabolism, you need to supply it through food. Nutritionists have determined the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for potassium. This is the amount that your body needs each day to maintain normal body function--any less and you could develop a deficiency over time. The RDA for potassium is 4,700 mg for adults. This is easy to achieve if you eat a healthy and balanced diet. Some good sources of potassium include red meat, chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables.
Causes of a Lack of Potassium
In addition to not consuming enough potassium in your diet, you could also have a low level due to your genetics, excessive loss from diarrhea or from alcoholism. If you have low levels in your blood, your metabolism's ability to create energy will be decreased. A low level of potassium in your blood can lead to hypokalemia, with symptoms of constipation, fatigue, muscle breakdown, abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness and even paralysis of your lungs.
Considerations
Potassium is found in many different types of foods, and a true dietary deficiency is rare. Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms of a potassium deficiency, it may be due to a medical problem. To be certain, talk to your doctor about having a potassium blood test to determine how healthy your levels are. If you have low levels in your blood, you may have kidney problems or problems absorbing potassium from food. This will not only affect your metabolism but your overall health. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause and the best form of treatment.
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