Are You Getting Enough Potassium?
By Sara Butler
Potassium is not a very fashionable thing to talk about. You’re probably never at the gym or hanging at the coffee shop with your friends and get asked if you’re sure you’re getting enough potassium. But potassium is so important it should be a topic of regular conversation -- particularly to find out if you and those you care about in your life are getting enough. If you don’t get enough potassium, then it can impact some pretty important functions of your body. Here’s how you can tell if you need more.
You’re Tired All the Time
Potassium fuels correct function of every cell in your body, and if you aren’t getting enough regularly then it can translate to feeling fatigued all the time. If your normal activities leave you feeling totally wiped and you know you’re getting enough sleep, then a lack of potassium may be the culprit.
Your Blood Pressure is High
One of the major benefits of potassium is its ability to relax your blood vessels. If you don’t get enough of it, then your vessels can become restricted and cause your blood pressure to ratchet up. It’s definitely worth investigating if you’re stumped as to why your pressure is so high.
You Eat a Diet High in Processed Foods
If your main source of food is a drive-thru or the prepacked food aisles, then you probably aren’t getting enough potassium (or other things you need). These types of foods are usually quite high in sodium, and too much sodium can impact your body’s ability to hold onto the potassium you do eat. So, cut down on the salt and eat some real food!
Your Get Muscle Cramps Regularly
Your muscles depend on a delicate balance of potassium and sodium to contract correctly. Too much or not enough of one or the other can result in aches and muscle spasms in your smooth muscle. That’s why you see so many athletes munching on high-potassium foods such as bananas to keep them balanced.
You Feel Dizzy
If you experience a big dip in levels of potassium, then it can cause your heartbeat to slow enough to make you feel like you’re going to black out. This isn’t very common, but if you find yourself feeling this way, then you definitely need to see a healthcare professional to figure out what the problem is. It just might be your potassium intake.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.