POTASSIUM IN YOUR PLATE: DIETARY CHOICES THAT MATTER

Potassium is an indispensable component of health due to its beneficial impact on the heart, nerves, and kidneys. However, being mindful of how much is consumed is key: being aware, following a structured diet and taking necessary medications can help with gaining optimal benefits

- 

People pay far more attention today than they used to, about what they put on their plates. For many, food is not just a source of sustenance; it is a lifestyle. Be it a hearty spinach salad or greasy French fries, what people consume every day defines their health. While there is significant awareness about several micronutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and calcium, a potent mineral that does not get as much attention is potassium.

Potassium is an electrolyte, or a substance that carries an electrical charge when dissolved in a liquid like blood. It plays a supportive role in several functions such as nerve signalling,

contraction and relaxation of muscles, cellular metabolism, and blood pressure modulation. It can also prevent kidney stones, enhance muscle health, and maintain bone health by preventing too much calcium from leaving the body through urine. Maintaining ideal levels of potassium in the body, especially for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), is important for staying healthy and preventing complications. Excess potassium can lead to a condition called hyperkalaemia, and hence, diet regulation is important.

Replace regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium: WHO

How much potassium does the body contain and need?