Moringa and potassium

When you take a healthy diet should get enough potassium naturally. Nowadays potassium deficiencies are more common in the West. Intake of more processed foods or over cook the foods that are rich potassium resources are some of the reasons. Low potassium is related to a risk of arthritis, high blood pressure, infertility, heart disease, stroke, digestive disorders and cancer. Doctors will prescribe potassium supplements or suggest potassium rich foods to prevent or treat some of these health conditions.

Potassium deficiencies are more pronounced in people who use diuretics and birth control pills. Athletes and people who have heavy physical work quickly deplete it and need more potassium. People who have Crohn’s disease or have an digestion disorder face this mineral deficit. Smoking and alcohol usage can also lead to this deficiency.

FDA has listed foods that contain at least 350 milligrams of potassium can use special label. As the children grow up, their recommended daily intake of potassium increases. Infants of 1-3 years need 3,000mg. This requirement of potassium for children of 14 years is 4,700 mg/day. Expecting mothers need 4,700 mg/day as the blood volume expands by 50% during pregnancy. Breastfeeding women need 5,100 mg/day. It is advisable to take potassium supplements with a water or juice. They should not be mixed with milk.

Nature has provided rich potassium in fruits and vegetables. Avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, nuts, almonds, potatoes, leafy green vegetables, milk and peanuts are some of the potassium rich sources. Boiling can destroy potassium in foods. Most of the people cook the vegetables and they could not get the potassium.

Role of potassium

Elderly persons can get relief from fatigue or weakness by taking supplemental potassium and magnesium. In hot climates, additional potassium may also be required for dehydration states. In conditions of fluid losses, this mineral is can prevent or reduce hangover symptoms after alcohol consumption.

Potassium deficiency is liable to increase with aging or chronic disease conditions. Hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, fatigue, depression and other mood changes are the prevalent health condition due to low potassium levels. Factors that can reduce potassium levels in the body include vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems etc. All these things deplete potassium in the body at a fast rate.

Infants with diarrhea must be observed closely for low blood potassium, which should be treated at the earliest. This condition is known as hypoglycemia can lead to death if it not treated properly. People with diabetes and renal disease should take potassium supplements only after consulting with doctor.

Fatigue is the one symptom of chronic potassium deficiency and it has to be properly diagnosed. Early symptoms were found to be acne, muscle weakness, slow reflexes and dry skin. If untreated these issues may lead to insomnia, irregular heartbeat, nervous disorders and gastrointestinal problems. A sudden loss of potassium in the body may lead to cardiac arrhythmia. Low potassium may affect glucose metabolism and lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Moringa tea has been found to prevent this condition.

In severe cases of potassium deficiency, central nervous system changes, decreased heart beat, muscle weakness etc., can happen. Regular intake of potassium rich food with FDA level can be helpful so as to prevent this deficit. Among the various potassium supplements few are safe without gluten allergy or giving adverse side effects. Moringa oleifera leaf tea has potassium up to 66%. This is one of the unique supplements with low sodium, high potassium levels. It can be taken by adding 1-2 teaspoons in water or along with any fruit smoothie.