monicapink
08-24-03, 05:21 PM
I am offering an article I printed out in February of this year from Slim-Fast Online ..... entitled "POTASSIUM POINTERS" which I have found VERY HELPFUL ...
Potassium is a major mineral and an electrolyte. "Electrolytes" are minerals that carry a positive or negative charge when dissolved in a liquid. Along with sodium and chloride, potassium is responsible for maintaining the electrical stability of the cells of THE HEART AND NERVOUS SYSTEM.
POTASSIUM HELPS:
To regulate fluid and mineral balance in and out of cells
Muscles to contract
MAINTAIN NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE
PROTECT AGAINST HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Transmit nerve signals
Our kidneys help to maintain normal levels of potassium and for most healthy individuals, a potassium deficiency is unusual. However, some diseases or medications may disrupt potassium levels.
Blood potassium levels that are either too high or too low may INTERFERE WITH NATURAL HEART RATE AND RHYTHM. If you are taking certain medications, your physician may prescribe a potassium supplement or instruct you to avoid foods HIGH IN POTASSIUM. Athletes who sweat excessively may lose potassium through perspiration, especially during prolonged exercise.
A GUARD AGAINST HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Eating a potassium-rich diet seems to guard against high blood pressure. Potassium helps make arteries stronger and better able to withstand the blood vessel damage that can occur with aging.
POTASSIUM REQUIREMENTS: The Daily Value for potassium based on a 2,000 calorie diet is 3,500 milligrams DAILY.
Potassium is available in a wide variety of foods, ESPECIALLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Fresh meat, poultry and fish have moderate amounts.
A well balanced and VARIED diet, including 5 SERVINGS A DAY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, will supply an adequate amount of potassium.
HIGH POTASSIUM FOOD .....
HIGH POTASSIUM FRUITS: Bananas, prune juice, prunes, apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew, nectarines, oranges, orange juice and pears.
HIGH POTASSIUM VEGETABLES: bamboo shoots, beet greens, cooked chard, baked potato, potatoes, spinach, sweet potato, winter squash, tomato paste, tomato juice and tomato sauce.
Potassium is a major mineral and an electrolyte. "Electrolytes" are minerals that carry a positive or negative charge when dissolved in a liquid. Along with sodium and chloride, potassium is responsible for maintaining the electrical stability of the cells of THE HEART AND NERVOUS SYSTEM.
POTASSIUM HELPS:
To regulate fluid and mineral balance in and out of cells
Muscles to contract
MAINTAIN NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE
PROTECT AGAINST HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Transmit nerve signals
Our kidneys help to maintain normal levels of potassium and for most healthy individuals, a potassium deficiency is unusual. However, some diseases or medications may disrupt potassium levels.
Blood potassium levels that are either too high or too low may INTERFERE WITH NATURAL HEART RATE AND RHYTHM. If you are taking certain medications, your physician may prescribe a potassium supplement or instruct you to avoid foods HIGH IN POTASSIUM. Athletes who sweat excessively may lose potassium through perspiration, especially during prolonged exercise.
A GUARD AGAINST HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Eating a potassium-rich diet seems to guard against high blood pressure. Potassium helps make arteries stronger and better able to withstand the blood vessel damage that can occur with aging.
POTASSIUM REQUIREMENTS: The Daily Value for potassium based on a 2,000 calorie diet is 3,500 milligrams DAILY.
Potassium is available in a wide variety of foods, ESPECIALLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Fresh meat, poultry and fish have moderate amounts.
A well balanced and VARIED diet, including 5 SERVINGS A DAY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, will supply an adequate amount of potassium.
HIGH POTASSIUM FOOD .....
HIGH POTASSIUM FRUITS: Bananas, prune juice, prunes, apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew, nectarines, oranges, orange juice and pears.
HIGH POTASSIUM VEGETABLES: bamboo shoots, beet greens, cooked chard, baked potato, potatoes, spinach, sweet potato, winter squash, tomato paste, tomato juice and tomato sauce.