How many times have you heard the word “potassium” and immediately thought of a banana?
Without it, your bodyand importantly, your heartcould experience serious consequences.
What Is Potassium?
Photo: Casey Barber
How is potassium related tohydration?
It maintains normal levels of fluid in your cells and works in tandem with sodium.
The levels of potassium in your blood are controlled in your kidneys by a hormone called aldosterone.
Pregnant women need 2,900 milligrams, and 2,800 milligrams during their lactation period.
In fact, some fruits and vegetables even havemorepotassium than what’s behind that banana peel.
“Particularly when combined with enough water, sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.”
By ensuring your cells have the necessary amount of water, your body stays hydrated.
Hence why many electrolyte powders and products contain both potassium and sodium for hydration.
(Need more ideas?
Check this out:20+ Healthy Recipes with Potassium-Rich Foods.)
Without as much potassium in your system, your body may struggle to balance your sodium intake.
Hypokalemia is diagnosed by a doctor through a blood test.
If the body has too much potassium, it will simply expel any excess through our urine.
This condition is usually diagnosed through a blood test by a doctor.
