MINERAL GUIDE: POTASSIUM AND SODIUM
Potassium (К)
Functions
Important as an alkalizing agent in keeping proper acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues. Prevents over-acidity. Essential for muscle contraction, therefore it is important for proper heart function, especially for normal heart beat. Promotes the secretion of hormones. Helps the kidneys in detoxification of blood. Prevents female disorders by stimulating the endocrine hormone production. Involved in proper function of the nervous system.
Deficiency symptoms
Severe deficiency may cause excessive accumulation of sodium (salt) in the tissues, with severe consequences of sodium poisoning, edema, high blood pressure and heart failure. May damage the heart muscle and lead to heart attacks. Prolonged deficiency causes constipation, nervous disorders, extreme fatigue, muscular weakness and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Natural sources
All vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, oranges, whole grains, sunflower seeds, nuts and milk. Potatoes, especially potato peelings, and bananas are especially good sources.
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances)
2,000 mg. to 2,500 mg.
Sodium (Na)
Functions
Sodium is closely associated with potassium and chlorine in many vital functions in the body. These three minerals are known to maintain proper electrolyte balance by changing into electrically charged ions which carry nerve impulse conduction and transportation. They control and maintain osmotic pressure, which is responsible for the transportation of nutrients from the intestines into the blood. They are involved in keeping the body fluid at normal levels. Sodium is necessary for hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, and plays a part in many other glandular secretions.
Deficiency symptoms
Deficiencies are rare, and may be caused by excessive sweating, prolonged use of diuretics or chronic diarrhea. Deficiency may cause nausea, muscular weakness, heat exhaustion, mental apathy, respiratory failure. Oversupply of sodium is a more common problem because of overuse of dietary sodium chloride (common salt). Too much sodium may lead to water retention, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, hardening of arteries and heart disease.
Natural sources
Kelp, celery, romaine lettuce, watermelon, asparagus, sea water supplement, sea salt.
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances)
200 mg. to 600 mg. a day, according to Dr. Ragnar Berg. Some authorities list as: 2 to 4 grams. More than sufficient in normal diet of natural foods without added salt.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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