POTASSIUM -
Noun: Pottasium works together with sodium in the control of the body's water balance, the carrying of nerve impulses, contraction of muscle, and maintenance of a normal heart rhythm. Potassium is essential for maintenance of normal blood sugar.

Potassium Deficiency - Can occur from taking diuretics such as the drug Frusemide while having treatment or long-term use of corticosteroids . Early symptoms of potassium deficiency may include muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and mental confusion. Impairment of nerve and muscle function may progress to cause disturbances of the heart rhythm and paralysis of the skeletal muscles and those of the bowel, which leads to constipation.

Dietary sources of potassium are leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, oranges, potatoes, and bananas. Lean meat, chocolate, coffee and milk are also rich in the mineral. It is good to know the sources of potassium as it is not compatable with the immunosuppressive drug Cyclosporin .

Dutch - potasschen = pot ashes

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