Potassium In The Diet

1. Purpose of Potassium in the Body

A. Affects regulation of water balance within the body.

B. Affects the skeletal and heart muscles.

C. Affects stimulation of nerve impulses.

D. Affects metabolism, the process of converting food into energy.

2. Foods High in Potassium

A. Fruits - apricots, bananas, strawberries, grapefruit, melon, nectarines, oranges, peaches, papaya, cantaloupe, avocados, raisins, prunes.

B. Vegetables - asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, squash, peas, brussels sprouts, tomatoes.

C. Meats, poultry, and fish.

D. Milk.

E. Nuts, dates, figs.

F. Blackstrap molasses.

3. Lack of Potassium in the Body (Hypokalemia)

A. Causes:

i. Inadequate diet.

ii. Medications (lasix, thiazides, steroids, sodium penicillin, carbencillin, etc.).

iii. Gastrointestinal loss (vomiting, diarrhea, draining fistula, etc.).

B. Signs and Symptoms:

i. Muscle weakness.

ii. Apathy.

iii. Abdominal distention.

iv. Anorexia.

v. Vomiting.

vi. Fatigue.

vii. Muscle cramps.

viii. Dysrhythmias.

4. Excess Potassium in the Body (Hyperkalemia)

A. Causes:

i. Kidney disease.

ii. Improper use of potassium supplements.

B. Signs and Symptoms:

i. Muscle weakness.

ii. Mental confusion.

iii. Flaccid paralysis.

iv. Abdominal distention.

v. Nausea and vomiting.

vi. Diarrhea.

vii. Numbness and tingling.

viii. Cramps.