Potassium is a mineral used by almost every organ and system in the body. We find this mineral in the foods we eat. Outside of preventing and alleviating muscle cramps, research shows that potassium has many other benefits to our health. Here are some of the benefits of the mineral:
- It decreases the risk of high blood pressure, especially if the diet contains high amounts of sodium. High blood pressure is a risk factor for strokes and heart disease.
- It decreases the risk of developing kidney stones.
- It improves bone health. When potassium levels are low, our bones start to leak calcium, which then deposits into the kidneys. Getting enough potassium increases our bone density.
- It helps to control blood sugar. An inadequate intake of potassium can lead to a prolonged increase in blood sugar. This can cause insulin resistance in the body, which is a major contributor to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
- It decreases the risk of pica (the craving for non-food items). Individuals with low potassium may crave or eat clay.
Here are some foods that are naturally high in potassium:
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Leafy green vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Potatoes
Some signs that your potassium levels are low include tiredness, muscle weakness, feeling ill, the inability to focus, an irregular heart beat, or increased urination. While our body will filter out any extra potassium into our urine, some people are at risk for having too much in the blood stream. Those most commonly at risk for this are people with chronic kidney disease. A supplement is not usually necessary, so please speak with a health professional before considering one.
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