Potassium is required for proper water balance in the body, with water retention being a potential symptom of insufficiency. It is necessary for muscle contraction, including that of the heart. When it is deficient it can cause cramps. Potassium is also vital for nerve transmission and to help make energy.
Your Needs
Potassium levels decline as we age. Diarrhoea and vomiting both deplete potassium rapidly. If you are dehydrated, levels of potassium drop. If your magnesium levels are low this also causes a loss of potassium. Stressful lifestyles deplete potassium, and exercise increases your needs. If you do not eat enough fresh vegetables or consume lots of packaged and processed food then your potassium levels may be too low. Fatigue can be caused by low levels of potassium and other minerals as well.
Symptoms of Inadequacy
Fatigue, cramps or muscle twitches, water retention, irregular heart beat –but remember you do not need to have any of these to require additional levels of this mineral.
16 to 22 mg of potassium is contained in every 100 ml of blood.
Potassium supplements is available from www.nutrisun.co.uk