Foods that Heal * Potassium * Author Bryan K. Marcia, Ph.D. Date: 1996/07/23 Forum: sci.med.nutrition ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIGHEST POTASSIUM FOODS BEST SOURCES: sun-dried black olives; dulse; kelp; Irish moss; potato peeling broth; bitter greens OTHER GOOD SOURCES: almonds; anise seed; apples; apple cider vinegar; apple peelings; dried apricots; ripe bananas; beans; beets and their tops; black cherries; blueberries broccoli; Brussels sprouts; carrots; cashews; brown cheese; cucumbers; currants; dates; egg white (beaten); escarole; dried figs; fish; goat milk; grapes; artichoke; kale; kelp; leaf lettuce; lentil; dried lima beans; parsley; parsnips; bitter peaches; dried pears; pecans; raisins; rice bran; rice polishings; sage tea; whole sesame seeds; soy milk; dried soybeans; spinach; sunflower seeds; Swiss chard; ripe tomatoes; turnips; walnuts; watercress; wheat bran; wheat germ POTASSIUM IN THE HUMAN BODY: The "Great alkalizer" element Supports muscular system; increases blood and tissue alkalinity; enhances recuperative power; promotes vigor and health; boosts efficiency of body functions; supplies healthy hair, nerves; aids in waste elimination; liver activator; decreases acidity; reduces pain; prevents ailments; found and needed mostly in the digestive system. * It is also good to remember that excessive heat destroys potassium, as does food processing. BIOCHEMICAL NOTES: Dissolves in water; Destroyed by excessive heat * Potassium works in muscular tissue, sugar, and fat. When there is lack of potassium salts, fats are not converted into the proper compound therefor the fatty food elements are instead converted into fatty acids and gases. Sodium and potassium salts are imperative in order to take care of fats. Potassium salts are also needed for proper sugar metabolism. * If we do not have sufficient potassium salts in our tissues, germs will be able to take hold. There are always germs whenever there is a lack of potassium, chlorine, fluorine, and magnesium. * Sugar cannot be utilized in the muscles when there is lack of potassium, therefor sugar stores in the liver creating an enlargement. * There is low tissue oxidation when potassium is lacking meaning that the tissues are not functioning normally. When we are excited, angry, jealous or hate we break down potassium rapidly. The more we break down the more acid we become. * In a cold climate, we are able to increase potassium content, more than we can in the hot summer. * The heart is a potassium organ. Stored in the muscles, potassium assists in neutralizing muscle acids; seventy percent of our body heat comes from our muscles, not fat ! * Potassium is beneficial in breaking up lymph congestion due to the over-consumption of sodium (mostly inorganic types of sodium), foods and not enough potassium foods. * Diuretics force the kidneys to work which also forces potassium out of the body. * Excess potassium can weaken nerves but is not detrimental. If an over amount of potassium is accumulated, sodium and chlorine are precipitated or exhausted. * Lack of potassium increases skin eruptions because tissue metabolism is then disturbed.