Electrolytes help to balance the precise environment that our cells need to function in, and they are picky little things. They require the right level of hydration, the optimal pH balance, and the right number of nutrients both inside and outside their environment at all times. This strict control is what keeps us functioning. If our cells are unbalanced in their hydration or pH levels, or contain too many or too little electrolytes or nutrients, then serious problems can arise. Potassium, along with sodium, both share this responsibility. They help to maintain and regulate our pH level and hydration, and also help to gauge the nutrients and electrolytes that enter our cells.

These levels of control are essential for many critical functions in our body. This includes sending messages via nerve impulses, and helping with the proper contraction of muscles, this includes the heart. Potassium is a key nutrient needed for heart health. It makes our heart beat at the right pace and also contributes to a healthy blood pressure. An adequate intake of potassium can also help to control or even lower our blood pressure and keep it at a desirable level.

Potassium is also involved in the functioning of enzymes, specifically those involved with carbohydrate metabolism and energy production.

Potassium is widely available in fruits and vegetables, so a balanced diet can provide us with enough. A deficiency usually comes from an excessive potassium loss through vomiting, diarrhea, or as a result of kidney disease. A deficiency can also be seen in malnourished populations, people with severe eating disorders and alcoholics.

Symptoms of a potassium deficiency include fatigue, muscle cramps, and intestinal problems like bloating, abdominal pain and constipation. It can also effect heart health, causing an abnormal heart beat, or contribute to high blood pressure.