Potassium

The body stores potassium in muscle where it helps metabolize sugar into glycogen where it is stored until needed. Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the human body and has been studied extensively.

Other benefits:

1. This mineral boosts your nervous system
   and keeps your heart beating smoothly.

2. It complements sodium in controlling the body’s
   water and electrolyte balance.

3. And it also helps prevent stroke. A 1997 medical review
   showed that low intake might be significant
   in the occurrence of high blood pressure.

Other Effects of Low Potassium

You'll likely never experience potassium defiency in your life, but excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can cause it.

Symptoms of deficiency:

dry skin, acne, constipation, depression, insatiable thirst, glucose intolerance, high cholesterol, insomnia, fatigue, earaches, headaches

The recommended daily potassium requirements are about 200 mg.

Which Foods Have
Highest Potassium?

Other excellent foods:

• lima beans

• sweet potatoes

• winter squash

• soybeans

• avocados

Eat one of these as a snack or side dish.

Potassium in a Supplement

You can fill your body’s need for potassium by eating a varied diet of fresh, unprocessed foods. If your diet is limited or restricted in some way, you might want to consider taking supplemental potassium.

Actually, most multi-nutrient supplements will contain a synergyistic range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal extracts.

Note: Tobacco and caffeine reduce absorption. And consuming large quantities of the herb licorice will deplete your body of potassium.

Please consult with your doctor before starting any supplement if you're pregnant or nursing. If you take prescription meds or OTC drugs, find out if they interact negatively with any dietary nutrients.