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Potassium is an important mineral in preventing various health issues such as blood pressure, stokes, kidney and heart disorders, and many more. Decrease in the level of potassium in the body leads to blood sugar level drop that causes problems like headache, sweating, weakness, trembling etc. Right amount of potassium is needed for the proper contraction and relaxation of the muscle, without which muscle cramps are experienced. Low level of potassium in the body causes another disease called hypokalemia.

Health Benefits of Potassium

Fish such as flounder, salmon, sardines, and cod are rich in potassium, and many meat foods contain even more potassium than sodium, although they often have additional sodium added as salt. Caffeine and tobacco reduce the absorption of potassium. People at risk for insufficient potassium intake include alcoholics, drug addicts and crash dieters.

Deficiency of potassium also interrupts functions of brain such as learning and memory. Epilepsy is a disease caused due to the improper working of potassium channels. Potassium also ensures the growth of muscle tissues, thereby properly utilizing the released energy. It also adds proper strength to muscles. Potassium also assists smooth metabolism of nutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also helps kidneys in removing wastes through excretion and also helps in regulating the fluid levels in the body.

Symptoms of Potassium deficiency include nervous disorders, insomnia, hypertension (high blood pressure), constipation, a slow and irregular heartbeat and muscle damage. People with diabetes are often deficient in this mineral. Diuretics, fluid tablets and other heart disease medications tend to deplete the body of Potassium. Some of the best sources of potassium in the diet include bananas, citrus fruit, grains, vegetables, meat and fish.