Potassium
is one of seven macro minerals--inorganic nutrients needed in relatively
high daily amounts. Along with chloride, sodium, magnesium and calcium,
potassium is an essential electrolyte. They are called electrolytes
because they carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids.
These three elements are distributed throughout the body's fluids,
including blood, lymph, and inter-cellular fluids.
Electrolytes help regulate nerve transmission and many cell membrane
functions. Magnesium helps maintain the potassium in the cells;
but even more crucial is the proper sodium to potassium balance.
Without potassium, cell growth can be retarded. Potassium works
with sodium to regulate blood pressure and transmit nerve impulses.
Along with magnesium, it is essential to the proper functioning
of the heart muscle. In this role, potassium acts as the catalyst
stimulating cellular contraction. Low potassium intake encourages
sodium retention, which raises blood pressure.
Additionally,
Potassium
balances the acid/alkaline system, transmits electrical signals
between nerves and cells, aids in the regulation of the body's water
balance and is essential for efficient muscle contraction. A deficiency
may cause severe dehydration. Potassium functions to maintain the
normal acid-base (pH) balance in the blood and tissues.
Hypertension is often a result of low potassium levels in comparison
to sodium. The body should normally contain more potassium than
sodium, but the standard American diet, with its reliance on fast
foods, packaged convenience foods, chips, and salt is too high in
sodium and chloride and too low in potassium. Research has found
that a high sodium diet with low potassium intake tends to elevate
blood pressure. This usually leads to a doctor's prescription of
diuretics which can cause even more potassium loss, further aggravating
the underlying problems. This mineral is absolutely essential in
proper amounts for good health.
Symptoms
of Deficiency:
A deficiency
of potassium (hypokalemia) can occur in people with chronic disease
or as a result of the aging process. The most common problems associated
with reduced potassium levels are hypertension, congestive heart
failure, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, and fatigue.
A variety
of conditions can cause the loss of potassium from the body. The
most common of these conditions are vomiting, diarrhea, and other
gastrointestinal problems.
Kidney
disease (such as acute renal failure) and diabetes, depending on
the stage of either, can also cause fluctuations in the levels of
potassium. Additionally, many medications can cause depletion of
potassium. Examples include diuretics, cortisone, prolonged use
of aspirin, and laxatives.
The
most common symptom of potassium depletion is fatigue. Other
symptoms of potassium deficiency include slow reflexes, muscle weakness,
acne, and dry skin. A quick loss of potassium could lead to cardiac
arrhythmias.
Eidon
Liquid Potassium is All Natural, 100% BIOAVAILABLE and contains
NO sugars, starch, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or
animal by-products. 100% VEGAN.
Eidon
uses the finest ingredients known to us in the formulation of our
unique preparations. Out of respect for all life, we do not test
- nor have we ever tested - our products on animals.
