Potassium is another of the electrolytes. Potassium is a mineral necessary for water balance and is found inside of every cell in your body. It helps your kidneys function properly, helps control your muscle contractions, keeps your heartbeat steady, and is important in sending nerve impulses and releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It’s an important nutrient for normal heart, digestive, and muscular function.
Excessive use of sodium may deplete the body’s stores of potassium. Other conditions that can cause potassium deficiency are diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, malnutrition, and use of diuretics. Coffee and alcohol can increase the amount of potassium excreted in the urine. Adequate amounts of magnesium are also needed to maintain normal levels of potassium.
Where to get it –
Almonds, apricots, asparagus, avocado, banana, beans, brown rice, cantaloupe, citrus, coffee, dates, figs, green pepper, honey dew melon, kale, lean beef, lemon, mango, oatmeal, oranges, orange juice, peas, pomegranate, pork, potatoes, prunes, rye, spinach, squash, strawberries, sweet potato, watermelon
Do not take an additional supplement unless directed to by a doctor. Get your potassium through your diet.
Kidney patients on dialysis should remove all potassium from their diet. If your friend is in dialysis, do not make them a banana cake.