Potassium Deficiency – Most People Not Getting Enough

Lower potassium intake might increase the risk of imbalances and deficiencies. Scientifically, potassium is a mineral that contains a number of benefits that help maintain a healthier body. Potassium also has many biological functions in your body. One of them is it being a co-factor for enzymes and vital for insulin secretion. Once you change the way you intake potassium in your body, it can affect extracellular fluids and plasma levels. It can succor balance in your muscles, maintain nerve function, and modulate your fluid balance.

Potassium deficiency is often called hypokalemia that is characterized by a blood potassium level below the minimum. Some people are experiencing this kind of dilemma. A study says that 98% of Americans are not consuming the suggested potassium intake. It sounds so alarming!

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency?

Each of us is questioning what will happen to people who experience hypokalemia. Here are some signs and symptoms to be aware of. Take a look!

Sickness and Exhaustion

Mineral deficiency can cause sickness and exhaustion. Since potassium can succor balance in your muscles and maintain nerve function, insufficiency may result in weaker muscle immunity. It may weaken the body’s way of handling nutrients that makes you feel sick and exhausted.

Problems in Digestion

Bloating and constipation are some outcomes if you suffer from potassium deficiency. Lack of potassium in your body can move the food slower throughout its process. Simply because potassium helps to relay the signal to your brain, and if it is not responding right, the brain cannot pass on signals effectively and immediately.

Difficulty in Breathing

Have you been wondering why our lungs expand and contract productively? Potassium is actually in charge. It helps you to breathe. It means that changes in your potassium intake can result in shortness of breath.

Palpitation

Potassium is a mineral that controls the heartbeat to its optimal level. Low levels can result in a high risk of heart palpitation. This feeling is known for stress. Anxiety attacks can also be a sign of deficiency.

Muscle Numb and Inflexibility

If you experience muscle breakdown, muscle aches, and stiffness, it is a red sign that you are lacking potassium in your body. Potassium has a vital role that regulates the function of blood flow throughout your muscles. When potassium is low, your blood vessels restrict the blood flow, which means that cells will receive less oxygen that causes cramps and muscle stiffness.

Why People Need To Consume Potassium Everyday

Do you know how many grams a person needs to consume every day? Statistically, 98% of potassium in your body is inside your cell. Fascinating? Let’s talk about more!

Your body helps to regulate the potassium that you ingest. Scientists and researchers found out that it works as an electrolyte in your body. If you have diabetes, it helps in the secretion of insulin. If you experience shortness of breathing, potassium is an element that will help to expand and contract your lungs to function better.

Potassium is significant to the whole aspect of your body. The nervous system, digestive system, circulatory system requires potassium. According to a study, the average potassium that an adult needs is 3500-4700 mg every day. I know it is very challenging, but sacrifices will be worth it because of its benefits.

Foods That Are Rich in Potassium

The amount of food we eat is based on what we like. If you’re guilty about this, I am too. Most people want to consume and choose over-the-counter supplements than those herbal potassium supplements because it will be easier for them to drink them. However, if you plan to take a higher-dose of supplement, make sure that it is highly prescribed by your doctor.

Below are several foods that are high in potassium:

Tomatoes

Contains: 728 mg

Oranges or Orange juice

Contains: A cup (248 grams) of juice provides 496 mg

Bananas

Contains: (1 medium) 451 mg

Avocados

Contains: (150 grams) of mashed avocado provides 1,120 mg

Spinach

Contains: (180 grams) contains 839 mg

Sweet Potatoes

Contains: A large baked potato provides 1,600 mg

                   A large sweet potato provides 1,110 mg

There is only one thing to address potassium deficiency, and it is your responsibility to decide wisely. Most people experience potassium deficiency because they don’t allow themselves to eat the foods that they need to consume every day. Since you already know something about this, it is your chance to change your lifestyle.

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