Did you know that potassium benefits us in more ways that one? In fact the body uses potassium (K19) in abundance. The mineral is found in nearly every food, yet it does not mean we are getting enough. Why? Because of the way our food is processed and our lifestyle habits, much of the potassium is lost.

To figure out if you are missing out on these health benefits due to a deficiency ask yourself the following questions. Are you feeling fatigued to the point that you are struggling to get through your day? Are your reflexes not as quick as they should be? Do you suffer from muscle weakness and cramping? Are you battling depression that you just can’t seem to shake?

Here are some of the ways potassium benefits us if we get enough. The heart is a muscle, arteries have smooth muscle to open or narrow them, and our limbs have muscles so we can move. K19 is an electrolyte, a so-called spark that signals the muscles to move. It is involved in the metabolism of the fats, carbohydrates and proteins out bodies need, and is helping keep blood pressure under control in a major way, along with balancing fluids, of which sodium is involved.

Your doctor may have emphasised the extensive role this mineral plays in the health of the heart. Not only does a regular supply of it help regulate blood pressure but it also reduces the risk factor for developing heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease which are all related to hypertension.

With so much food laden with K19, why could our bodies become deficient? The answer is that this particular mineral is not stored by our bodies and is used as it enters the intestines and blood stream. The daily allowance recommended is between 2000mg and 2500 mg to give your body a regular supply.

This may seem like a high amount to get, but by eating a healthy diet on a consistent basis you will actually consume between 2000 and 6000 milligrams a day. Again, the Western lifestyle of fast foods, processed, and packaged convenience meals make it difficult to get the minimum amount of potassium that is needed.

When you plan your meals try and incorporate raw foods. The less cooking we do the less our foods will loose K19 and we will reap greater potassium benefits. And speaking about cooking, using less salt will help you keep the correct ratio between the two minerals, warding off high blood pressure and other serious health issues.

The foods to eat are those that contain high amounts of potassium, such as salmon, chicken, tomatoes, celery, figs, grapefruit, lima beans, avocado, and spinach. Cut down alcoholic drinks or those that contain caffeine which will only lower it. It is vital to make sure you supply your body with what it needs. That way you will help keep blood pressure normal and at the same time reap all the potassium benefits.