Eat a Variety of Foods Rich in Potassium and Treat Your Body to Better Health
An important part of keeping your body healthy is to make potassium rich foods a primary part of your diet. Without this important mineral salt, you could experience a dangerous imbalance in the pH levels in your body’s fluids. Potassium, fortunately, can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as a number of meats and fish. Foods rich in potassium play a vital role in the regulation of your heart, kidney, and renal functions, as well as blood pressure and bone mass. Potassium also works to regulate your nervous system and muscle function.
Low and High Potassium
Hypokalemia is a condition in which the body does not store or absorb enough potassium from potassium rich foods alone, and a supplement must be added to keep the body and at healthy levels. On the other hand, hyperkalemia exists when your body is unable to rid itself of excess potassium, and the stores reach toxic levels, leading potentially to kidney failure. A regular physical will detect either of these conditions, and they can be treated with a doctor’s care, supplements, and a carefully chosen diet.
Where to Find Potassium
Thanks to the healthy punch of fresh fruits and vegetables, there is a vast array of tasty foods available from which to choose. Many of these foods are full of vitamins and anti-oxidants, as well as being potassium rich foods. You have probably heard about cantaloupes as one great choice for potassium, and it truly is full of the mineral. However, you need not limit yourself. Bananas, oranges, apricots, and strawberries are all rich in potassium. Potatoes, tomatoes, chard, and bell peppers also pack a powerful boost. In addition, halibut and tuna are great sources of lean protein as well as potassium.
Are You Getting Enough?
Most individuals who make a variety of potassium rich foods part of their daily diet need not worry about taking supplements. In fact, you should not add a supplement without first talking to your physician. Athletes or individuals who work at physically taxing occupations should consult their doctor, as sweat will diminish your potassium levels and your doctor may prescribe a supplement to help maintain your active lifestyle.
Watch for Signs of Low Potassium
Potassium rich foods are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are not getting enough potassium, your body will tell you. Watch for symptoms like a sudden drop in blood pressure, weakness and exhaustion, cramping in your legs and arms, numbness, or heart arrhythmias, you should talk to your doctor immediately. These may all be signs that you are not getting enough potassium or your body is not absorbing it properly.
Check out our potassium rich raw food diet guide
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