Potassium belongs to our micronutrients and is a base-forming quantity element.
Potassium is an important representative of the cell interior. There it performs important tasks to balance the acid-base balance. It also regulates our body's water balance and blood pressure (lowering effect). Like sodium and chloride, potassium is an electrolyte. Electrolytes ensure communication between the cells and the transmission of information in the nerve network.
The acid-base balance is a subject in itself. Very complex. Basically, one can assume that an over-acidified cell means that we are dealing with an over-acidified organism. The balance can be achieved, among other things, with a reduction in animal protein and an alkaline diet. Alkaline-forming elements are potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and iron. The interplay between exertion and relaxation, deep breathing and sufficient drinking also contributes to a more balanced acid-base balance...
Overview
Jump directly to the topic that arouses your interest.
Functions of potassium
Participation in cell metabolism | For a functioning osmosis and an intact transmission of stimuli between cells of nerves and muscles.
Structure of proteins
Balance of the acid-base balance | Sufficient coverage of potassium is essential for this balance.
Deficiency & overdose
Potassium is probably less known because a deficiency occurs rather rarely or often only temporarily. For example, we lose a lot of potassium during vomiting or diarrhoea. But also with alkalosis (blood values that are too alkaline). There are interesting plant sources of potassium, but actually it is found in almost every food. This is the main reason why deficiency rarely occurs. I personally like to make homemade energy bars with nuts, seeds and dried fruits. This completely uncooked and therefore an extremely nutrient rich source of not only potassium.
A potassium deficiency can show itself in various symptoms. Typical characteristics, however, can be:
▽Paralysis cuts of the musculature
▽Constipation
▽Impaired conduction between nerve and muscle cells, including the heart.
In the case of a deficiency, the consumption of foods containing potassium is a simple remedy. It is not advisable to take potassium supplements to prevent a potassium surplus. You wonder how a potassium surplus can develop? By...
▽Medication | taking certain medications such as blood pressure-lowering drugs (beta blockers...)
▽ Cell decay | a massive cell decay (e.g. in burns).
▽ Acidosis | in the case of hyperacidity (acidosis)
Daily requirement
The daily potassium requirement depends on age and is increasing.
Plantbased sources
These top 5 foods meet the daily requirement of 4g:
235g dried apricots
260g cocoa
335g pulses
345g tomato paste
365g dried plums
Other foods (sorted by content, top to low)
Pistachios (410g), dates, almonds, daisies, collard greens, avocado, pumpernickel, nettle, poppy seeds, barley, crispbread, banana, potatoes (steamed), berries, Brazil nuts, walnuts (7.4kg)...
xoxo your good-life coach Claudia 💋
Comments