Potassium: For Healthy and Active Heart
Potassium allows our cells, tissues and organs to function properly, hence is very important in our diet. It is classified as an electrolyte and is responsible to regulate the electrical activity of our heart, builds proteins, which are responsible to metabolize the carbohydrates.
According to a study conducted by U.S Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans in 2005, it has been observed that potassium-rich diet can reduce high-blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney stones and bone loss.
Vomiting and diarrhea along with certain medical conditions like diuretics cause the deficiency of potassium or hypokalemia. Lack of potassium in body causes heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, fatigue, vomiting, depression and other mood swings.
Potassium rich foods include fishes like flounder, cod and sardines, milk and milk products. The National Institute of health lists soy-based foods, nut, broccoli, lima beans, peas, tomatoes, potatoes cantaloupe in vegetables and banana, kiwi fruit, prunes and fresh dried apricots among the fruits as sources of potassium.
The recommended daily requirements of potassium are:
| Age | Male | Female |
| 1-3 years | 3 grams | 3 grams |
| 9-13 years | 4.5 grams | 4.5 grams |
| 14 and above | 4.7 grams | 4.7 grams |
| | | Pregnant and Lactating - 5.1 grams |
Elevation of potassium in body can be fatal and cause death. Decrease in renal function, major infection and gastrointestinal bleeding can cause elevated levels of potassium in the body. Cardiac function also gets affected.
