Potassium Deficiency

In my wellness practice I regularly test people for their balance with vitamins and minerals.  The #1 mineral imbalance I have seen recently is potassium!  
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Potassium is a very important body mineral and has roles in both cellular and electrical function.  It is a blood mineral, called an electrolyte, meaning that it has a tiny electrical charge, which has potassium play an important role in nerve transmission and muscle contraction.  Along with sodium, it regulates water balance and acid/alkaline balance in the blood and tissues.
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Potassium is needed for regular blood pressure, heartbeat, cellular biochemical reactions, energy and carbohydrate metabolism, and normal growth and repair of the body.

Fatigue is the most common symptom of potassium deficiency!  

Below is a list of other symptoms of potassium deficiency: *

-  Fatigue or malaise

-  Anemia

-   Tiredness, weakness, or cramping in arms or leg muscles.

-  Numbness or tingling in arms or legs

-  Abdominal cramps, bloating

-  Constipation

-  Heart palpitations or arrhythmias

-  Blood pressure fluctuations (hypertension or hypotension)

-  Passing large amounts of urine, or feeling very thirsty most of the time

-  Fainting due to low blood pressure

- Abnormal psychological behavior:  depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion or hallucinations.

-  Dizziness or floating sensations

-  Severe headaches

- Water retention (especially during PMS) and swelling of extremities (feet, ankles, fingers)

​-  Nausea or vomiting  

Potassium is most abundant in a plant rich diet.  

​Bananas are the most commonly known potassium rich foods, and while they are easy to digest and tolerated by most people, they are not even one of the top 10 potassium rich foods.  One of the very top foods for potassium is the humble potato. Potato is often overlooked because many people assume that the carbs are bad, that they are high glycemic, that they are a nightshade vegetable and are therefore inflammatory, or that they are not a nutrient dense food.  I was someone who believed most of these things, and have since come to learn that these misconceptions have prevented me from enjoying this rich and nourishing food most of my life.  Potatoes can quickly become a junk food though if mistreated by frying, processing, or being covered in fatty and/or sugary sauces and excess salt. Try to enjoy whole baked, roasted, or steamed potatoes.
Potatoes and bananas aren't the only potassium powerhouses though as you will see below.
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​I will encourage you to get your potassium from the sources above, but if you are suffering from several symptoms of potassium deficiency, you may wish to supplement as well.  Supplementation with this mineral is generally very safe as it is excreted easily, but please use caution with any supplementation and seek advise from your health professional first.


*Please note that potassium levels should be monitored by a medical doctor if you have kidney disease.