The Great Alkalizing Mineral
by
Margaret Durst
The Green House
Previously
by Margaret Durst: Blood
Pressure – Natural Solutions
Kalium, or potassium is a great alkalizing mineral. Only about 3
to 4 ounces of potassium are found in the body at any one time;
however, a tremendous amount is utilized during a lifetime. It is
generally recognized that the average American does not get enough
potassium. This is apparent when we look at many of the chronic
health problems today. Potassium is a factor in preventing heart
disease, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, diabetes, kidney disease,
and some cases of paralysis.
Potassium regulates
heart muscle action and arterial blood pressure. It helps to carry
our enzyme reactions throughout the body and regulates blood pH.
Potassium helps the kidneys eliminate waste and feeds the entire
endocrine system. A lack of potassium causes lack of oxygen in the
tissues. Lack of potassium will also cause edema if sodium level
is high relative to potassium. Lack of potassium also will cause
a weakened heart and sciatica on the right side of the body.
Potassium
needs to be balanced with sodium for proper health. Sodium is the
electrolyte responsible for controlling fluid surrounding the cells
and potassium is responsible for controlling fluid within the cells.
Excessive use of salt depletes potassium from the body. Too much
salt is not the only cause of potassium deficiency. It can also
be brought on by stress, medications, and diuretics as well as alcohol,
coffee or sugar.
Potassium deficiencies
induced in humans cause listlessness, fatigue, gas pains, constipation,
insomnia and low blood sugar. Muscles become soft and flabby, and
pulse weak, slow and irregular. When potassium is reintroduced,
these symptoms quickly go away.
There are mental
symptoms associated with potassium deficiency. These include fearfulness,
negativity, cynicism and suspiciousness. Other common indicators
of potassium deficiency are painful feet and ankles, unsteady walking,
prolapsed organs, and nighttime restlessness. Rheumatoid arthritis
may also be a symptom of prolonged potassium deficiency.
Potassium is
an important component of the transmission of electrical impulses
to the muscles. For this reason, a lack of potassium can cause partial
or complete paralysis which is usually alleviated within minutes
after potassium is supplemented.
The greatest
damage done by potassium deficiency is to the heart which is a muscle
and relies on potassium for electrical impulses. When potassium
is out of balance in the heart, the actual heart beat is affected.
Heart attacks are associated with low blood potassium and low potassium
intake.
While many
fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain ample potassium, canning,
cooking and refining of these foods depletes significant amounts
of potassium. One of the best natural potassium remedies is a broth
made from potato peelings. Other good potassium sources include
herbs such as alfalfa, dulse and kelp. In terms of supplementation,
plant sources are much preferred over straight mineral sources because
plant based potassium is more effectively assimilated by the body.
June 21, 2012
Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.
Copyright
© 2012 Margaret
Durst