Profe Claudio Nieto: Potassium

• Profe Claudio Nieto shares with you the reason why potassium cannot be lacking in your system.
• It is part of a necessary triad for balance.
• We share with you some symptoms of deficiency of this element.

Potassium is one of those minerals that often goes unnoticed in our daily health concerns. However, its role is essential for the optimal functioning of our bodies.

Why is it so crucial and how does it relate to other minerals like sodium and magnesium? Let’s dive into this topic to understand it better.

As we recently saw, it must be maintained in balance with magnesium and sodium. In fact, out of the 84 minerals we need throughout our lives, these three form our «top three.»

Sodium is found outside the cell and facilitates the entry of nutrients into it.

Function of potassium

Magnesium, on the other hand, is found both inside and outside the cell membrane and plays a crucial role in allowing sodium and other nutrients to enter the cell.

Potassium, present in 98% inside the cell, is responsible for expelling excess outward, thus maintaining internal balance.

But why is this balance so relevant? Imagine there’s a lack of potassium inside the cell.

This means that the cell cannot properly expel nutrients and fluid, leading to increased internal pressure.

Symptoms of potassium deficiency

This tension can manifest in various ways, such as cramps, teeth grinding (bruxism), or even more serious problems like high blood pressure.

Detecting potassium deficiency may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Since most potassium is found inside cells, a common blood test may not accurately reflect intracellular potassium levels.

Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to symptoms such as constipation, high blood pressure, fatigue, or cramps, which may be indicative of a potassium deficiency.

Sources of the mineral

And how can we obtain enough in our diet?

Although many of us do not consume enough leafy green vegetables, there are a variety of foods that are rich in potassium, such as avocado, banana, kiwi, tomato, raisins, and dates, among others.

However, we must be aware of the importance of maintaining a proper balance between sodium and potassium in our diet.

While sodium is often found in processed foods and bread, consuming too much sodium and too little potassium can lead to health problems.

Balance

It is tempting to supplement with potassium to correct a possible deficiency, but we must exercise caution.

A high level of the mineral in the blood may indicate kidney problems or cell breakdown, suggesting that self-medication is not a safe solution.

Additionally, athletes should pay special attention to the balance between sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes during intense exercise to avoid complications such as hyponatremia.

In summary, potassium plays a fundamental role in our health, and maintaining a proper balance with other minerals is essential for optimal body function. Profe Claudio Nieto bids you farewell for now and hopes that this information has been helpful. Until next time!