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Yes, we have all heard of the macro-mineral potassium, but do you know why it’s extremely important for the human body? Where to begin…Two words: cellular and electrical. Potassium had me at electrical (and, if it could speak, it would have had me at “hello”).  After all, we are organic, electrical beings. Potassium carries a tiny electrical change, is the primary positive ion found in cells (intracellular), and is one of the main blood minerals called electrolytes. We can already see why potassium is very important for cellular and electrical functions. As an excellent communicator, it transmits electrical signals between cells and nerves and regulates the water balance and the acid-base (alkaline) balance in the blood and tissues.

Like most minerals potassium has a buddy mineral with which it works closely together. In this case, the friend is the macro-mineral sodium, also an electrolyte heavyweight and primary positive ion found in the blood and body fluids. Potassium helps remove sodium out of the body. It acts like a natural diuretic, as sodium will take water out with it. This mineral dynamic duo works together like an osmotic pump (sodium-potassium pump), moving hydrogen and oxygen molecules in and out of the cell. Like two complimentary team workers, potassium works on the inside of the cell (intracellular fluid), while sodium works on the outside of the cell (extracellular fluid). If this process is working harmoniously it will have a positive effect in creating energy and aiding in chemical cellular reactions. If there is an imbalance of either of the minerals, the cell’s electricity suffers, and its permeability and ability to absorb nutrients and excrete waste materials becomes limited. This sodium-potassium pump, when working well, creates an electrical potential gradient that positively affects our nerve impulses, regulating our heart beat, muscle contraction, and blood pressure. More potassium health benefits:

✻ Helps with pituitary function and aids in the treatment of depression.
✻ Plays a huge role in muscle contraction and enhances muscle performance.
✻ Protects the heart against hypertension and stroke.
✻ Stimulates all types of fluid, lymph and detox channels.
✻ Potassium alkalinizes intracellular fluid.
✻ Important for energy metabolism, nerve impulses (rapid firing of nerves) and brain performance.
✻ Keeps the heart healthy by generating muscle contraction and regulating the heartbeat.
✻ Functions in carbohydrate metabolism, converts glucose to glycogen to be used for energy.
✻ Potassium has a high affinity with oxygen, thereby increasing tissue oxygenation and oxygenating the brain for clear thinking.

Maintaining consistent levels of potassium in the blood and cells is vital to body function and overall optimum health. Many factors cause a potassium deficiency, including stress, hypoglycemia, diarrhea, acute anxiety, depression, poor diet (processed foods, excesses cooked foods), gastrointestinal problems and long-term use of laxatives, aspirin, digitalis and cortisone. Contributors to low potassium in the blood include alcohol, coffee (and other caffeinated drinks), sugar, and diuretic drugs. Some psychological, emotional and behavioral signs of potassium deficiency include: depression, fears of loneliness and death, troubled sleep, excessive hunger, loss of motivation, and hyper sensitivity to touch. Deficiencies in potassium may contribute to heart disease, chronic fatigue, deceased adrenal and pituitary function, and poor concentration. Foods to avoid because they lower potassium amounts in our body include processed foods, boxed wheat cereals with fortified minerals (phytic acid), meat, and cheese.

The GREAT NEWS is that YOU have the ultimate choice to shift to potassium-rich foods that are low in sodium. As far as sodium goes, remember there is a difference between table salt and sea salt (refer to our Minerals: Frequencies of Light article Part 1). You can get plenty of potassium on a diet high in whole and unprocessed vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Potassium has a 90% absorption rate and is absorbed in the small intestine. Since it is one of the most soluble minerals, (meaning that it will be easily lost in cooking) focus on eating raw foods in order to replenish potassium in the body. Foods rich in potassium include leafy green vegetables such as spinach, parsley, mustard greens, and lettuce, and also broccoli, peas, lima beans, seeds, nuts, sun-dried black olives, dulse, kelp, and tomatoes. All bitter greens, especially watercress, are extremely rich in potassium. Fruits: kiwis, bananas, oranges, avocados, raisins, and apricots. Spices include coriander, cumin, basil, parsley, ginger, hot peppers, dill, tarragon, paprika and turmeric.