FOOD SOURCES:Potassium is an essential mineral found in wholegrain foods (wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice, oats, etc) and fruits and vegetables, especially bananas and avocados.
USES:
Potassium plays an important role in blood pressure maintenance especially when sodium levels are high. Potassium is an important activator for enzymes especially those involved in energy production.
DEFICIENCY:
Potassium deficiency may be a contributing factor in hypertension, lead to constipation, muscle weakness, confusion and fatigue.
Sodium plays a very important role in blood pressure as levels of sodium affect blood volume via water retention. Levels of sodium tend to be high in refined diets as many processed foods contain high levels of salt (sodium chloride).
Unrefined and unprocessed diets high in wholegrain, vegetables and low in ready to eat and fast foods tend to be higher in potassium than sodium.
Excess sodium levels may cause oedema and kidney damage as well as increasing the risk of hear disease.