POTASSIUM & SODIUM

Electrolytes

Potassium is the major positively charged electrolyte in the intracellular fluid.

Sodium is the primary positively charged electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.

FUNCTION IN THE BODY NA+/K+ PUMP

FUNCTION IN THE BODY POTASIUM

Regulates contraction of muscles.Assists in transmission of nerve cells.Assists in maintaining blood pressure.

FUNCTION IN THE BODY SODIUM

Necessary for regulation of blood and body fluid.

Transmission of nerve impulses.Heart activity .Metabolic functions.

FOOD SOURCES POTASSIUM

Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Salt substitutes made from potassium chloride.

FOOD SOURCES SODIUM

Most commonly added to food in the form of sodium chloride (table salt).

Found naturally in meat, nuts, grains, fruit and vegetables.

Dairy products in low amounts.Processed food.

RDA POTASSIUM

4.7g day for adult men and women age 19 to 50 years of age.

RDA SODIUM

2,400mg/day.Less than one tenth of most diets.

DEFICIENCIES & DISEASE POTASSIUM

Increased potassium intake is associated with a decreased level of stroke.

Increased potassium intake is associated with significantly lower blood pressure.

DEFICIENCIES & DISEASE SODIUM

High blood pressure.Increased excretion of calcium, loss of

bone density.Hyponatremia- low blood sodium levels. Can result in headaches, dizziness,

fatigue, nausea, vomiting & muscle cramps.

FUN FACT SODIUM

• SODIUM IS NOT NEEDED BY PLANTS, THEREFORE, A COMPLETLEY PLANT BASED DIET WILL BE VERY LOW IN SODIUM. THIS REQUIRES SOME HERBIVORES TO OBTAIN SODIUM FROM SALT LICKS AND OTHER MINERAL SOURCES.