Potassium is a mineral which is needed for the proper functioning of nervous system. It is an electrolyte found in many food products and it is important mineral which helps the body to retain the needed pH level. It has alkaline properties and it helps the body to retain water levels. It has the property to get easily absorbed in human body but about 85% to 90% of the potassium is eliminated from the human body through bowel movement or urine.

Low amount of potassium can cause allergies, kidney stones and fatigue. The functioning of nervous system, heart, kidney and adrenal glands is affected. The condition when a person suffers from deficiency of potassium is called hypokalemia. Therefore patients suffering from potassium deficiency are provided with a treatment to raise the level of potassium, whereas, there are people who suffer from chronic kidney diseases and in such condition the body fails to eliminate excess potassium from body which causes hyperkalemia.

People who regularly exercise require more potassium in diet as compared to other people but in general people need 3.5 mEg/l to 5 mEg/l of potassium i.e. the amount should not be more than 2 to 3 milligrams. If the level increases to more than 6 mEg/l, it can be dangerous. A balanced amount of potassium is required to maintain the needed pH level in human body. The benefits of low potassium are: it helps in maintaining the needed muscular strength and coronary functioning.

Following steps should be taken to reduce the level of potassium in diet.

1. Reduce intake of milk as it contains a rich amount of potassium.

2. Vegetables contain high amount of minerals and one can use unsalted water to cook vegetables and drain the liquid after cooking or peel the vegetables, cut in pieces and rinse it in warm water. Soak the vegetables in water overnight and drain the water after one or two hours. Again keep the vegetables in warm water and drain the water after an hour.

3. One can reduce intake of fruits and vegetables to reduce potassium.

4. Nuts, chocolate and molasses contain high amount of potassium and it should be avoided.

5. Certain artificial sweeteners and packaged food products contain a high amount of potassium and one should read the label and amount of potassium mentioned on it, before buying it.

6. The fruits which have a good amount of potassium are avocadoes, apricots, cantaloupe, nectarines and plantains. Vegetables such as tomatoes, yams, squash, beans, French fries, potato chips and artichokes contain a high amount of potassium.

7. Meats, vegetables and fruits contain a good amount of minerals and instead of using salt substitute one should use sodium.

8. There are many different types of seasoning provided at stores which contain high amount of potassium and it should be avoided.

9. Certain meat products, fishes and fruits such as bananas, oranges and poultry products are high in potassium.

10. Chocolate, cocoa and molasses are rich in potassium.

Food that contains white flour and rice are low in potassium. Non dairy products, cakes and pies, cookies without chocolates, apple, apple juices, cucumber, mushrooms, peas radish, spinach are low in potassium and it can be included in the diet.

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