What is Potassium?

What conditions has it been used to treat?

What is Potassium?

It is a soft, silver white metal that is found in nature in compounds. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the body.

It is found in cells (unlike sodium which is found in the fluid outside of cells) and is located predominantly in muscles, although some is found in the skin and the other tissues.

Where is it found?

Most fruits are excellent sources of potassium. Beans, milk and vegetables are also good sources.

Why is it needed?

It is needed for many functions, to regulate water balance; levels of acidity; blood pressure and in muscle contraction, nerve conduction, regulation of heartbeat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

What happens if you are deficient?

Deficiencies occur in those who have severe or prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea. There are also drugs that deplete stores of potassium.

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