Vitamins
Lacking energy, always getting sick? Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals? Vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B and minerals such as calcium and iron are crucial for a healthy life. The vitamins and minerals information pages provide you with crucial information about vitamins and minerals, such as which foods contain them, what they do, deficiency symptoms and more.
What is it:
Potassium is found in several different forms, including Potassium Chloride—the most common form. It has many functions in the body such as playing a role in protein synthesis and for the conversion of blood sugar in to glycogen for energy. It triggers a number of enzymes concerned with energy production. Potassium also stimulates normal movements of the intestinal tract.
What does it do:
Promotes regular heartbeat and normal muscle contraction Regulates transfer of nutrients to cells Maintains water balance in body tissues and cells Preserves normal function of nerve cells, heart cells, skeletal-muscle cells, kidneys, stomach-juice secretion Potassium is the predominant positive electrolyte in body cells. An enzyme (adenosine triphosphatase) controls the flow of potassium and sodium into and out of cells to maintain normal function of the heart, brain, skeletal muscles and kidney, and to maintain acid-base balance. May treat acne May help heal burns May prevent high blood pressure May be beneficial in preventing kidney stone formation May combat fatigue and mood swings in early menopause
Symptoms of deficiency:
Hypoglycemia Weakness, paralysis Low blood pressure Irregular or rapid heartbeat that can lead to cardiac arrest and death
Overdose/Cautions:
Irregular or fast heartbeat, paralysis of arms and legs, blood-pressure drop, convulsions, coma, cardiac arrest
Natural food sources:
Fruits Vegetables Whole grains Asparagus Avocados Nuts Bananas Parsnips Beans Barley Peas (fresh) Cantaloupe Potatoes Raisins Citrus fruit Sardines, canned Spinach, Milk Prunes Pistachios Peanuts Ham Melon Carrots Green peas, boiled Beef