Bowenwork
FAQ
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Potassium
Atomic No. 19 Symbol-K
Atomic Weight-39.0983 Density-0.862 g/cm3
Combination
Potassium
Recovery
Mineral-Chi Tonic
Potassium is the key cation (positively charged ion) in
intracellular (fluid inside the cell) fluid (it composes about 98% of this
fluid), and small amounts are also present in extracellular (fluid outside the
cell) fluid.
Potassium, in conjunction with sodium, works to maintain proper
fluid levels and pH (acid-base) balance. It is found
in all cells and directly affects cell mass. Because of this, it influences
muscle activity, in particular, the heart muscle. It is also very important in
the transmission of nerve impulses. This 98% is a concentration 30 times greater
than that in extracellular fluid. The blood contains 16 to 22 mg per 100 ml
(milliliters) of potassium and erythrocytes (a red blood cell) contains420 mg
per 100 ml.
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Functions |
Potassium is important for healthy nervous systems and
regular heart rhythm. It helps to prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle
contraction, and works with sodium to control water balance in the body.
It also helps to maintain cellular integrity, aids in glycogen (a major
carbohydrate) formation and glucose catabalism, protein metabolism, and
carbohydrate metabolism. |
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Deficiencies can cause |
Abnormally dry skin, acne, bone fragility, chills, cognitive
impairment, constipation, death, depression, diarrhea, diminished reflex
function, edema, insomnia, nervousness, polydipsia (insatiable thirst),
fluctuations in heartbeat, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high
cholesterol levels, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue and weakness,
nausea and vomiting, paralysis, periodic headaches, proteinuria (protein
in the urine), renal hypotrophy, respiratory distress, sterility, and salt
retention. Potassium deficiency could be precipitated by diarrhea,
vomiting, diabetic acidosis, chronic renal disease, fasting, and chronic
use of diuretics and laxatives. Tobacco & caffiene can reduce
potassium absorption. Using large amounts of licorice over long periods of
time can deplete the body's potassium supply. |
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Toxicity symptoms include |
Cardiac arrest, cognitive impairment, dysarthria (difficult,
poorly articulated speech), dysphasia (difficulty speaking), and weakness. |
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Food Sources |
Dairy foods, fish, fruit, legumes, meat, poultry,
vegetables, and whole grains. High amounts can be found in apricots,
avacados, bananas, lima beans, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, brown
rice, dates, dulse, figs, dried fruit, fresh fruit, garlic, leafy green
vegetables, nuts, orange juice, potatoes, raisins, spinach, winter squash,
torula yeast, wheat bran, yams, and yogurt. |
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Herbal Sources
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Barley grass, blessed thistle, bupleurum, catnip, feverfew,
hops, horseradish, hydrangia root, nettle, parsley, peppermint leaf,
plantain, red clover, sage, and skullcap. |
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RDA |
Infants 0 to 1
year 500 to 700 mg
Children 1
year
1000 mg
2 to 5 years 1400 mg
6 to 9 years 1600 mg
10 to 18 years 2000 mg
Adults
2000 mg |
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