Potassium (puh-TAS-see-um) helps nerves transmit messages, aids digestive enzymes, guides
normal growth, and ensures proper muscle functioning, including that of
the heart. Potassium is a major element in the fluid inside cells and
plays an important role in maintaining the balance of water and acid in
the body. Diuretic (dye-you-REH-tic) drugs, which may be prescribed
for high blood pressure, cause potassium to be flushed out of the
bloodstream, which can lead to a potassium deficiency. This also can
occur with chronic diarrhea (dye-uh-REE-uh), vomiting, or kidney
disease. People with eating disorders who misuse laxatives, diuretics, and
who self-induce vomiting can become potassium deficient. Symptoms
include paralysis, sterility, muscle weakness, mental apathy and
confusion, and damage to the kidneys and heart. The best source of
potassium is fresh fruits and vegetables. Those high in the mineral include potatoes, bananas,
tomatoes, oranges, dried peas, and dried beans, especially black and navy
beans.
