Potassium+(K)

Potassium is an alkaline metal, it's salts of which are common in nature. The body contains ~140g. of potassium. 98% of potassium salts are found inside the cells.

-Kalaemia is the level of potassium in the blood plasma hyperkalaemia may occur w/ with renal insufficiency, shock, Addison's dis-ease. hypokalaemia may occur w/ vomitting and diarrhea, and during diuretic treatments.

Potassium leaks from the plasma to the cells -Alkalosis, disorders related to neuromuscular and cardiac excitability, are consequences of hypokalaemia. The main danger of hyperkalaemia is fatal cardiac illness

=Role of Potassium= -It is the main regulator of the water content in each cell -It is associated w/ sodium, regulates osmotic pressure and establishes the acid/base balance -Increases the excitability of the heart, nervous systems and muscles. -Plays an important role in the metabolism of glucides and proteins.

=Pro-Compounds= B6 and Sodium

=Anti-Compounds= Alcohol, coffee, diuretics, laxatives, cortisone, salt (excess), sugar (excess), and stress

=Daily Requirements=
 * AGE || Mg./Day ||
 * 0-6 months || 400 ||
 * 7-12 months || 700 ||
 * 1-3 years || 3000 ||
 * 4-8 years || 3800 ||
 * 9-13 years || 4500 ||
 * 14+ years || 4700 ||
 * During Pregnancy || 4700 ||
 * During Breastfeeding || 5100 ||

=Deficiency= -Hypertension -Cardiovascular Problems (mainly Stroke) -Hypercalciuria -Kidney Stones -Osteoporosis

Deficiency manifests mostly in those taking diuretics or laxatives. Symptoms appear when salt take is excessive.

=Excess= Potassium Supplements (not potassium in food) can irritate the stomach and cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and flatulence.

=Sources=
 * FOOD || SERVING || POTASSIUM ||
 * White Beans, cooked || 250ml.(1 cup) || 1189mg. ||
 * Potatoes w/ skin, baked || 1 medium (175g.) || 1081mg. ||
 * Soy or Lima Beans, cooked || 250ml.(1 cup) || 955-970mg. ||
 * Beans: Pinto, red, navy, lentils and split peas, cooked || 250ml.(1 cup) || 658-746mg. ||
 * Beet Leaves, boiled || 125ml.(1/2 cup) || 655mg. ||
 * Clams, canned || 100g. (3oz) || 628mg. ||
 * Potatoes w/out skins, baked || 1 medium (155g.) || 610mg. ||
 * Tomato Puree, canned || 125ml.(1/2 cup) || 580mg. ||
 * Halibut Fillet, baked or grilled || 100g. (3oz) || 573mg. ||
 * Yellowfin Tuna (albacore), baked || 100g. (3oz) || 569mg. ||
 * Atlantic Cod, canned or grilled || 100g. (3oz) || 451-524mg. ||
 * Pacific Redfish, baked || 100g. (3oz) || 520mg. ||
 * Winter Squash, cooked || 125ml.(1/2 cup) || 448mg. ||
 * Spinach, boiled || 125ml.(1/2 cup) || 443mg. ||
 * Plain Yogurt, 0% & 4% MF || 175ml. (3/4 cup) || 434mg. ||
 * Artichokes, boiled || 1 medium (125g.) || 425mg. ||
 * Banana || 1 medium (120g.) || 422mg ||
 * Salmon, cooked or canned || 100g. (3oz) || 300-400mg. ||
 * Haddock, baked || 100g. (3oz) || 399mg. ||
 * Plantain Bananas, cooked || 125ml.(1/2 cup) || 378mg. ||

Potassium-rich Supplements
-Soya Filtrate -Pollen -Seawater -Wheat Germ -Seaweed -Molasses

=Therapeutic Indications= -Excessive use of diuretics or laxatives -Digestive Losses (diarrhea, vomiting) -Acne -Alcoholism -Allergies -Burns -Colic in Children -Diabetes -High Blood Pressure -Heart Dis-ease (Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, Infarct)