The most important benefits of potassium, its sources and symptoms of deficiency

According to the Daily Medical Info website, the most important natural sources of potassium include citrus fruits, grains, vegetables, salmon, chicken, whole milk, fresh fruit juices, almonds, nuts, potatoes, bananas, and avocados.

Its health benefits include the following:

1- Stimulating nervous activity

Potassium plays an important role in stimulating brain function at a normal level, as higher levels of potassium allow more oxygen to reach the brain, thus stimulating neuronal activity and increasing cognitive ability.

2- control blood sugar

A low potassium level causes a drop in blood sugar, which leads to sweating, headache, weakness and nervousness. The intake of potassium and sodium chloride provides immediate relief in such cases, and the diabetic patient should maintain the level of potassium in the blood at normal levels.

3- Reduce muscle disorders

The contraction and relaxation of the muscles require a sufficient concentration of potassium. Most of the potassium ions in the human body are found in muscle cells. It maintains optimal muscle and nerve function, as well as rapid reflexes.

4- Preventing cramps

Muscle cramps result from a low level of potassium in the blood, and this condition can be prevented by eating a banana daily.

5- Promote bone health

There are certain qualities in potassium that benefit the various acids in the body, which helps to maintain and keep calcium, and eating fruits and vegetables high in potassium leads to an increase in bone mineral density, which further strengthens it and extends its life.

6- Regulating nervous function

Potassium channels play a key role in maintaining the electrical conduction of the brain, and significantly affect brain function. It is also involved in higher brain function such as memory and learning, and epilepsy is associated with potassium channel dysfunction.

7- Stabilize blood pressure

Potassium benefits normal blood pressure balance, so it reduces the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. It also contains vasodilating properties, which reduce pressure in the blood vessels.

8- Boost your metabolism

Potassium assists in the metabolic processing of many nutrients such as fats and carbohydrates, and therefore is of great value in extracting energy from the elements being consumed, and it also has an effect on tissue regeneration and cell growth.

9- Reduce anxiety and stress

Potassium is of great importance for people suffering from anxiety and stress, as it ensures effective mental functioning as a sedative against chronic stress.

10- Promoting heart health

Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the heart and kidneys, and it helps the kidneys remove waste through the process of excretion of urine.

11- Maintaining water balance

Potassium helps regulate the fluid level in the body. It also helps with a number of critical bodily functions. Furthermore, electrolytes help transmit electrical charges throughout the body from the brain and nervous system.

Symptoms of potassium deficiency

A deficiency of any of the nutrients in the body is undesirable, and potassium is no exception. A deficiency in the diet may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, anemia, severe headaches, high blood pressure, intestinal pain, swollen glands and diabetes.

But care must be taken not to excessively take potassium supplements in the body, especially for kidney patients. Some symptoms may appear as a result of excessive potassium intake, such as troubled breathing, tingling in the hands and feet, and irregular heartbeat, so you should consult your doctor if you feel these symptoms.