Potassium is one of the most important minerals for the body. It belongs to the group of electrolytes and is needed by all cells, so that they can work properly. Both women and men have a daily potassium requirement of about 2000 milligrams. Potassium plays an important role in many processes in the body. The main function is the transmission of electrical impulses to the muscle and nerve cells. So it affects the flow of every muscle contraction in the body. Potassium is also responsible for the fluid balance, as it regulates the osmotic pressure of the cells. This pressure ensures a balanced cell volume in the blood. Thus, it plays an important role in blood pressure and is therefore important for the health of the body. Since the potassium level is very tightly regulated by the body, the muscle function can be disturbed both in the case of too low and too high a potassium value in the blood. For athletes, the peculiarity of potassium is that it supports the production of proteins and promotes carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in higher energy production. Athletes, as well as the regular, intense stress on an increased demand for minerals and vitamins. Potassium is also increasingly lost through increased sweat production. Thus, a potassium deficiency can lead to fatigue and rapid decline in performance. A potassium deficiency can occur especially with an increased salt consumption. The sodium and potassium content in the body are closely related. The more sodium you consume, the more potassium is excreted from the body. Other sources of potassium deficiency in the blood may include increased alcohol intake, profuse sweating, and lack of hydration. A deficit of potassium can cause dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, muscle cramps and circulatory problems. Slight potassium deficiency can be eliminated quickly by taking potassium-rich foods. Even mineral supplements with potassium can quickly remedy a shortage. Foods such as potatoes, bananas, whole grains, nuts, lettuce and spinach are particularly rich in potassium.
