POTASSIUM

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K interacts with Na and Cl in the conduction of nerve impulses
mankind evolved on a high K, low Na diet as most foods naturally occur this way (even those that naturally taste salty are higher in K than Na)
food processing today reverses this healthy K:Na ratio and produces foods which are unhealthy
beneficial effect on blood pressure and is therefore expected to interact somehow with sodium, the mineral best known for its effect on blood pressure
with sodium (Na) outside the cells and potassium (K) inside the cells, the two work together to maintain the body's water balance
K allows for the normal functioning of the nerves and muscles, particularily the heart
K also assists in the body processes that synthesize proteins and store carbohydrates

average American intake of K is only 2500 mg.
RDA is 3500 mg
deficiency is rarely seen but most often happens in those with chronic diarrhea or vomiting, alcoholism, and anorexia nervosa
diabetics that progress to the state of ketoacidosis and those with hyperaldosteronism are also at risk of K deficiency
excessive loss of K occurs in the sweat of those with cystic fibrosis
impaired kidney function as well as the use of diuretics can predispose one to K deficiency
a desireable diet should contain Na and K in equal amounts
K weighs 1.7 times that of Na (so in weight you would need twice as much K as Na)
naturally occurring foods normally have this K:Na ratio needed for good health, however, processing reverses this helathful ratio
symptoms of K deficiency include:
average K intake in America is estimated at 2800 mg. for men and 2300 mg. for women while the Na intake is estimated at a whopping 4000-6000 mg. (2-3 times the K intake)