Potassium food diet to prevent fatigue: How can foods with high potassium level help to boost energy and prevent fatigue? Potassium is a mineral or an electrolyte which along with sodium and calcium performs various important functions in the body.
It is necessary for the transmission of a nerve impulse, normal functioning of the nerves, cells and muscles including the heart muscles, metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins and prevention of extra fluid retention in the cells. Excess or low levels of potassium can cause a health risk. Low potassium levels or hypokalemia can cause fatigue, general weakness, heart irregularities, confusion and sometimes muscle co-ordination problems.
People who sweat heavily, exercise a lot or have hypertension may have higher needs of potassium. A mineral imbalance can occur during periods of starvation and heavy fluid loss from the body like diarrhea, use of diuretics or laxatives. On the other hand high levels of potassium can cause kidney disease, rapid or irregular heart beat, infrequent menstrual cycles, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, joint pains, poor immune system, bladder infection, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and impotence.
Information About Foods And Potassium Levels Of Foods Before including any potassium rich foods in your diet to correct a health condition it is important to consult a specialist and take his/her confirmation. For convenience foods are divided in to high, moderate and low potassium groups.
Foods high in potassium: All poultry, fish and meat, fresh apricots, avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, milk, lima beans, coconut water, oranges and orange juice, kiwi, prunes, potatoes, spinach, vegetable juice, tomatoes and winter squash. Potassium content from potatoes can be decreased by soaking the peeled potato or potato slices before cooking.
Potassium rich foods are beneficial for people with heavy water loss from the body and for athletes. People on potassium restricted diet should not include these foods in high amounts without a conformation from their specialist or registered dietician.
Foods moderate in potassium: Apple juice, asparagus, broccoli, beets, blackberries, cherries, carrots, corn, eggplant, green peas, grape fruit, mushrooms, onions, peaches, pineapples, pears, raspberries, raisins, strawberries, summer squash, tangerines and watermelon.
If you are on a low potassium diet then a specialist may recommend eating not more than 2-3 serving of these foods per day.
Foods low in potassium: Apples, bell peppers, cabbage, cranberries, cucumber, grapes, green beans, iceberg lettuce, canned mandarin oranges, mushrooms, canned peaches, plums and pineapples.
If you are on a low potassium diet then these foods should form a major part of your menu.
Before making any major diet changes, especially if you have any health condition consult your specialist or a registered dietician. |
