Potassium is a mineral that is required for the body to function normally. The National Institutes of Health website, MedlinePlus, lists the many body systems in which potassium is needed; these include the digestive system, the cardiovascular...
Potassium is an essential component of our diet, required for normal metabolic activity of the body. Due to its electrolytic properties, it's an essential mineral for the functioning of the heart, kidneys and muscles. But too much or not enough...
Healthy food choices are rarely on the "carte du jour" of the typical American diet, reports a 2010 article on the CBS News website. In fact, poor eating habits have gradually grown over the past 40 years with the rising pace of fast-food chains....
The electrolyte potassium plays a role in many tissues and cells of the body, but too much can cause problems. Most people get enough potassium from food, but in some cases a potassium supplement may be necessary. However, supplemental potassium...
Potassium is a vital nutrient that is part of the electrolytes found in your body. A low potassium level can produce several side effects and cause possible life-threatening complications. The only way to tell if your potassium levels are low is...
Patients with advanced kidney disease often have elevated levels of potassium in their blood. Taking potassium supplements makes this problem worse. If you have kidney disease, you should consult your doctor before taking any kind of supplement....
Depending upon the size, shape and location of your mole, you may have considered remedies to help shrink or disguise it. Moles aren't necessarily a bad thing, but you should inspect any moles that you have regularly to ensure certain changes do...
Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte critical for your body's function. However, taking potassium supplements can cause an imbalance in minerals in your body, resulting in water retention. Water retention, or edema, can be unsightly...
Potassium aids various functions of your body, including the heart, kidneys, digestive system, muscles and nerves. You usually can get adequate potassium levels from the foods you eat, but you may need more potassium when taking certain...
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that a deficiency in electrolytes like potassium can cause muscle cramps, particularly in your legs. This can occur frequently in the summer, when heat causes you to lose salt and other minerals...
Cozaar is a prescription medication used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. In addition to treating hypertension, the "Physicians' Desk Reference" indicates that Cozaar is approved for preventing progression of kidney damage due to...
Potassium is a mineral that you need on a constant basis for several parts of your body, including the proper function of your heart and muscles. The National Institutes of Health reports that potassium citrate is used to treat kidney disorders....
Amlodipine besylate is a long-acting calcium channel blocker prescribed for lowering blood pressure and for preventing occurrences of certain types of angina. Some types of blood pressure medication can cause potassium levels to become too high,...
The prescription diuretic hydrochlorothiazide helps prevent absorption of excess salt and the corresponding fluid retention, which are associated with various health conditions and can aggravate those disorders. Only your doctor can determine...
If you eat a lot of salt -- and most Americans do -- you may experience elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. Common sense dictates that if you're eating too...
Potassium and sodium are elements in your body that help your muscles and nerves to function normally. High levels of sodium can lead to high blood pressure, so doctors typically recommend a low-sodium diet for people at risk of this disease....
Potassium is a necessary mineral in the regulation of bodily processes. It is essential for converting blood glucose into energy, activation of enzymes, and maintains protein synthesis so that the body has energy to carry out daily activities....
Despite your best intentions to eat a varied and balanced diet, sometimes you might need vitamin or mineral supplementation. This can occur because of an illness you might have or from which you are recovering, an injury or medications you are...
Potassium is crucial to heartbeat regulation, muscle contraction and proper functioning of the nervous system, according to the American Heart Association. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, can cause weakness and muscle cramps, excessive...
Potassium is a mineral that helps your body regulate pH balance, build muscle and perform regular metabolic functions. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, recommended daily intake of potassium is 4,700 mg daily for most adults. Most people...
Potassium is one of the main minerals your body loses during a workout, so it is important to replenish your supply when you are done. Potassium is important to help regulate your muscles and nerves, as well as internal organs such as your heart...
Sodium and potassium are essential elements in your body, with both necessary for the regular function of all cells. Due to the link between these minerals, increasing your potassium intake helps ameliorate the effects of a high sodium intake....
Your body gets the potassium it needs from the food you eat. However, if you are not eating the right kinds of food, or if you have a condition that causes your body to excrete more potassium than what is normal, expect your doctor to recommend a...
Potassium is a key mineral in your body and is central to muscle, heart and nervous system function. A number of chronic health conditions can cause your blood levels of potassium to drop below the healthy range. Short-term illnesses may also...
Diuretics wash extra fluid out of the body, but they can also wash out essential minerals. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic often used to treat hypertension and also edema, or fluid retention, and congestive heart failure. It is a thiazide...
Many dairy products, fruits and vegetables contain significant amounts of both magnesium and potassium. Because of this, most people can get enough of these minerals by eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, Some people, however, may need to...
Potassium iodide is marketed as a source of iodine, not a source of potassium. If you take potassium iodide, you don't need additional iodine supplements. Iodine deficiencies are common in the undeveloped world where people are not exposed...
Almost every food you eat has at least some potassium in it. Even tap water contains potassium. Despite being surrounded by potassium, most people don't have hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, because the kidneys excrete any excess into the...
Potassium helps all of your cells, organs and tissues function properly. As an electrolyte, or nutrient that conducts electricity in your body, potassium allows for normal heart function and plays an important role in muscle contraction. Although...
Diet can help improve blood pressure, especially if blood pressure is not yet being treated by medication. Learn more about the appropriate diet for hypertension in this nutrition video.
Limiting potassium in your diet can help patients with Addison's disease. Learn how to adjust your diet to fit your specific health and nutrition needs in this healthy shopping video.
Potassium is an important metal for keeping your cells alive and can be found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats . Try these tips for buying foods rich in potassium in this healthy shopping video.
Don't let a cramp put an end to your exercise workout. Learn what causes cramping and how to prevent it in this medical treatment video from a clinical dietician.