POTASSIUM
Critical for all major organs to function
what happens if you don't get enough potassium? (hypokalimia)
Short-term effects
→ muscle stiffness, aching, and tenderness
→ abdominal bloating, pain, and cramping
→ heart palpitations, dizziness, and fainting
→ extreme thirst
Long-term effects
→ muscle weakness
→ high blood pressure
→ digestive disorders
What happens if you get too much potassium? (hyperkalimia)
→ abnormal heart rhythm
→ slow heart rate
→ weakness
Long-term effects
→ ventricular fibrillation
→ can cause the heart to stop beating
Potassium deficiency is most common in people who take certain medicines such as birth control pills, have physically demanding jobs, athletes, have a heart condition, eating disorders, smoke, or abuse alcohol or drugs!
potassium rich foods
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Breastfeeding women should consume the most potassium
how much potassium should you consume per day?
7-12 months ↔ 700 mg
1-3 years ↔ 3000 mg
4-8 years ↔ 3800 mg
9-13 years ↔ 4500 mg
14+ years ↔ 4700 mg
pregnant women ↔ 4700 mg
breastfeeding women ↔ 5100 mg
Facts about potassium
→ The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium
→ It would take eating 216,000 mg of potassium in one day to kill you, this is equal to about 480 bananas
→ Potassium helps cure hangovers, headaches and nausea
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