Top 3 Reasons It's Vital to Have a Potassium-Enriched Diet

"My heart started to race, the air had been sucked out of my throat, and the only thing I could think about was- is this it?" What a scary feeling that happened just days ago. When I found out that my potassium level was to low for doctors to release me from the hospital. The whole idea of something of such low importance could have such a profound effect on my life at that moment."

That is why I have decided to share this article with you all. There is not a lot of awareness on the importance of Potassium. Until a few days ago I didn't truly understand just how important to me this problem should be. The following article is for entertainment purposes, but I hope you read the information provided and take heed to its warnings. Getting the advice of your physician will help ensure that your heart, and your life are protected.

The human body has several elements it needs in order to function properly. The most widely covered being water. While water is the most essential there are a few more that can wreak havoc in your life if you choose to go without.

Potassium fills about 2-3% of our overall body content. And while somethings we can live without Potassium surely isn't one of them. Potassium controls much of the nervous system and can cause several problems with the heart, and the cell within the body if it is not replenished.

Potassium travels outside of the body by way of our kidneys and needs to be replenished regularly. Most people get Potassium in their general diet, however some of us who are on water pills, or have digestive concerns can lose too much potassium without knowing it.

Top 3 Reasons for a Potassium Enriched Diet:

Heart Muscle Needs Potassium- Your heart needs potassium in order to regulate your blood pressure and beat properly. Potassium is within the cells and helps keep the blood flowing properly throughout the heart. Without enough potassium you are at risk for heart attack and stroke.

Potassium controls blood pressure- if you are having difficulty regulating your blood pressure you maybe suffering from Hypokalemia (low Potassium). There are other minerals important to the balance of your blood pressure including magnesium, and sodium but that is for another article.

Potassium helps our Muscles contract- For those who are low in Potassium they maybe having difficulty with arm & leg cramping, muscle fatigue or weakness. Several people and those including athletes have difficulty with low potassium and should keep an eye on their levels regularly.

Below are foods Enriched in Potassium:

Avocados

Cantaloupe

Tomatoes

Broccoli

Celery

Collard Greens

Spinach

Artichokes

Brussels Sprouts

Potatoes

Black Eyed Peas

Water Chestnuts

Tofu

Winter Squash

Signs & Symptoms:

Cramping in the Leg & arms

Tingling & Numbness

Constipation

Palpitations

Fainting

Depression

Confusion

Hallucinations

Generally there are no signs or symptoms when you have low potassium. However if it goes untreated it can become severe and causes several of the above symptoms. Consult your physician if you are having any of the above symptoms, taking diuretics (Water Pills), and/or have high blood pressure or diabetes.