Potassium importance in nerves and muscles

[Guest guest]

Potassium

AHA Recommendation

Potassium is an element (and an electrolyte) that's essential for the

body's growth and maintenance. It's necessary to keep a normal water

balance between the cells and body fluids. Potassium also plays an

essential role in the response of nerves to stimulation and in the

contraction of muscles. Cellular enzymes need potassium to work

properly.

A potassium deficiency due to increased urinary loss often occurs when

medication for certain heart diseases is used to prevent sodium and

water retention. To overcome this loss, physicians often suggest eating

more foods high in potassium. More potassium may be prescribed as a

medicine.

Foods high in potassium include bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit,

oranges, tomato or prune juice, honeydew melons, prunes, molasses and

potatoes. Some foods high in potassium are also high in calories. When

weight control is important, eat more low-calorie foods. Foods such as

fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products that are high in potassium

and calcium, when incorporated in the DASH Diet Study, helped to

significantly lower blood pressure.