Potassium in your plate: Dietary choices that matter

People pay far more attention today than they used to, about what they put on their plates.

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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.

How much potassium does the body contain and need?