Potassium

Role of Potassium in your body

Potassium has many roles, especially intracellular fluid balance, and cell membrane effects such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse conduction, and cell permeability.

Functions of Potassium

• Circulatory - lowers heart rate, dilates arteries, can reduce blood pressure
• Excretory - maintains acid-base balance
• Digestive - increases digestive tract activity
• Endocrine - helps raise aldosterone and other hormones
• Metabolic - involved in carbohydrate metabolism

Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

fatigue, skin problems, water retention, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, irregular heart beat, constipation, allergies, muscle weakness, slow oxidation

Potassium Excess Symptoms

high blood sugar (diabetes), fast oxidation, weakness-muscles, depression-mental, muscle spasms

Synergistic Nutrients

magnesium, zinc

Antagonistic Nutrients

calcium, processed food diets are low in potassium

Hair Analysis Notes

Potassium in known as the follow-through mineral.

Low Hair Potassium

• indicates adrenal gland exhaustion
• very low potassium is associated with allergies, fatigue, low blood sugar, sweet cravings, and low blood pressure.

High Hair Potassium

• indicates high sugar and glucocorticoid levels
• very high potassium can be a potassium loss due to excessive breakdown of body cells.

Reasons for Potassium Supplementation

• to lower a high sodium/potassium ratio
• to enhance energy production

Sources of Potassium

Seafood - halibut, herring, ling cod, sardines
Nuts/seeds - pecans, sesame, sunflower, walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, filberts, peanuts
Fruits - avocados, dates, figs, prunes, raisins, grapes, tangerines, lemons
Vegetables - asparagus, green peppers, spinach, kale, watercress, garlic, horseradish, lentils, parsley, potatoes, spinach, artichokes, lima beans, beet greens, swiss chard, collard, brussels sprouts, fresh corn, parsnips, broccoli.
Grains - buckwheat, rye, wheat bran
Miscellaneous - molasses, mushrooms, kelp, yeast, salt substitutes
Herbs - mint leave, meadow sweet

Supplementary Supplements to Raise Potassium

vitamin B5

The Effects of Potassium on Personality

Key Words: follow through energy, (cortisone)

Low Potassium: fatigued, depressed, withdrawn, low energy, low stamina and follow through

High Potassium: active, good stamina if ratio with sodium is normal. If the ratio with sodium is low, a high potassium indicates frustration, a double-bind situation, stuck, beating one's head against a wall.

Interaction Chart