The mineral is also important for a healthy heart, as its movement in and out of cells helps maintain a regular heartbeat. When blood levels of the mineral are too high, the heart may become dilated and flaccid.

This can weaken its contractions and produce an abnormal heartbeat 8. Likewise, low levels in the blood can also alter the heartbeat When the heart does not beat properly, it cannot effectively pump blood to the brain, organs and muscles.

In some cases, heart arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, can be fatal and lead to sudden death Summary: Potassium levels have a significant effect on muscle contractions.

Altered levels can cause muscle weakness, and in the heart, they may cause an irregular heartbeat. High blood pressure affects nearly one in three Americans A potassium-rich diet may reduce blood pressure by helping the body remove excess sodium High sodium levels can elevate blood pressure, especially for people whose blood pressure is already high An analysis of 33 studies found that when people with high blood pressure increased their potassium intake, their systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.

In another study including 1, participants aged 25—64, scientists found that people who ate the most potassium had reduced blood pressure, compared to people who ate the least. Those who consumed the most had systolic blood pressure that was 6 mmHg lower and diastolic blood pressure that was 4 mmHg lower, on average A stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain.

Several studies have found that eating a potassium-rich diet may help prevent strokes 1 , They also found that eating a diet rich in this mineral was linked to a reduced risk of heart disease Interestingly, studies show that a potassium-rich diet may help prevent osteoporosis by reducing how much calcium the body loses through urine 24 , 25 , In a study in 62 healthy women aged 45—55, scientists found that people who ate the most potassium had the greatest total bone mass 2.

In another study with healthy premenopausal women, scientists found that those who ate the most potassium had more bone mass in their lower back and hip bones Kidney stones are clumps of material that may form in concentrated urine Calcium is a common mineral in kidney stones, and several studies show that potassium citrate lowers calcium levels in urine 29 , In this way, potassium may help fight kidney stones.

Historically, potassium has been used to treat water retention Studies suggest that a high potassium intake can help reduce water retention by increasing urine production and reducing sodium levels 4 , 33 , Summary: A potassium-rich diet may reduce blood pressure and water retention, protect against strokes and help prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Potassium is abundant in many whole foods , especially fruits, vegetables and fish. Most health authorities agree that getting 3,—4, mg of potassium daily appears to be the optimal amount 35 , On the other hand, over-the-counter supplements are not a great way to increase your potassium intake.

In many countries, food authorities limit potassium in over-the-counter supplements to 99 mg, which is much less than the amount you can get from just one serving of the potassium-rich whole foods above This mg limit is likely because many studies have found that high doses of potassium from supplements may damage the gut and even lead to death by heart arrhythmia 38 , 39 , However, people who suffer from a potassium deficiency may receive a prescription from their doctor for a higher-dose supplement.

Summary: Potassium is found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and fish like salmon. Most health authorities suggest getting 3,—4, mg of potassium daily. However, a low potassium intake will rarely cause a deficiency 42 , Instead, deficiencies mostly happen when the body suddenly loses too much potassium.

Though it may happen if you take too many potassium supplements, there is no strong evidence that healthy adults can get too much potassium from foods Excess blood potassium mostly occurs when the body cannot remove the mineral through urine.

Therefore, it mostly affects people with poor kidney function or chronic kidney disease Additionally, particular populations may need to limit their potassium intake, including those with chronic kidney disease, those taking blood pressure medications and elderly people, as kidney function normally declines with age 47 , 48 , However, there is some evidence that taking too many potassium supplements can be dangerous.

Their small size makes them easy to overdose on 39 , There are also people who find that a potassium-rich diet helps to control water retention; according to these groups of people, the mineral helps to stabilize the electrolyte balance in their bodies.

You can reap the benefits of potassium by consuming more of such foods like bananas, avocados, tomatoes, canned bamboo shoots, and potatoes. There is one compound, in particular, copper oxide, which has been found to be particularly beneficial to skin — numerous studies have found it to be effective in accelerating the healing of damaged skin, as well as in addressing several skin concerns, such as in improving the elasticity of skin, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

And when it comes to the role of copper in the diet, you could say in a way that copper is crucial for not just good skin, but skin as a whole. In order to take care of your skin at this fundamental level, eat more of foods such as garbanzo beans, sunflower seeds, chicken liver and beef liver; they are all good sources of this mineral.

To some, the smell of sulphur is associated with rotten eggs — pungent and repulsive. To a few others, however, the smell is pleasantly earthy and volcanic, though strong.

And though it smells strong, adverse skin reactions to the topical sulphur application are noted to be rare, meaning that topical use of this mineral should be suitable for most skin types. Just as with the other minerals, sulphur, too, has health benefits in the diet and protective properties against oxidative stress.

In particular, sulphur-containing amino acids have been found to play a protective role against free radical damage. Some foods that are rich in sulphur are apple cider vinegar, eggs, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and garlic when crushed or cut.

This mineral-rich recipe is also great as a breakfast option, as its super filling! Great for weight management, too! Best served chilled. As mentioned above, minerals are essential for healthy skin function. We all know alcohol dries out our skin, and dry skin conditions are the culprit to many skin issues!

After washing your face with our cleansing soaps, pump 2 to 3 pumps onto your palms, and gently press Best Water onto your skin. It nourishes your pores with essential minerals and the rest will have to depend on your microbiota!

Replenish your skin moisture in just 2 sprays and then gently press it in with your hands. I personally tried the 2nd method and really loving the effect. Skin feels soft and supple! People who have tried it were very happy with the results as it leaves no visible scar. I, myself tried it on allergy spots I had a few weeks ago, and I am surprised that it helps soothe the itchiness which then prevents me from scratching.

BLACK PAINT products like Ostrich Balm and German Blue are thicker in texture that sometimes may not be suitable for direct use in our tropical climate. You are able to mix them with Best Water to have better absorption and a lighter texture on warm hot days!

Aside from dirt and grime from daily activities, there are many other factors that cause blackheads to happen, causing skin pores to enlarge. Find out the reasons behind it and how to manage them. Sensitive skin seems to be the common problem when it comes to skin issues, however many factors and reasonings contribute to having sensitive skin.

So you actually have sensitive skin? The skin forms the largest organ of the body. When applied topically, it can help to detoxify the skin and remove impurities, such as dirt and oil.

This makes it an excellent ingredient for cleansing and purifying the skin. Potassium can also help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, making it beneficial for those with acne-prone skin.

Regulate your skins pH Balance - The skin's natural pH balance is essential for maintaining healthy skin. The pH level of the skin is typically around 5. When the skin's pH level is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of skin problems, such as dryness, irritation, and acne. Potassium helps to regulate the skin's pH balance, ensuring that it remains at a healthy level.

This makes it a valuable ingredient in skin care products that are designed to restore the skin's natural pH balance. Potassium is a valuable ingredient in skin care products due to its many benefits.

It moisturizes the skin, soothes inflammation, improves skin elasticity, detoxifies the skin, and regulates pH balance.

These properties make it an excellent ingredient for those with dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.

Osmolality is a measure of the number of particles dissolved in a kilogram of fluid. Osmolarity is the number of particles in a litre of flu.

Read more on Heart Foundation website. Nuts provide protein and are a source of dietary fibre as well as contributing many vitamins and minerals. Many studies show nuts are beneficial to health, especially heart health.

Read more on myDr website. Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of diabetes. People with DKA have high levels of glucose and ketones in the blood, making it more acidic than usual. Read more on Ausmed Education website.

Diuretics continue to play a key role in the management of clinical congestion in all forms of heart failure. Read more on Australian Prescriber website.

This test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. Creatinine is produced in your muscles when a compound called creatine spontaneously.

Digoxin is a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. This test measures the amount of digoxin in the blood. Heart failure, including con. Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.

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Reduces wrinkles, fades brown spots, smooths and heals rough dry skin as well as sunburns and cold sores. Foods high in Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, squash, and cantaloupe.

Also great for those who suffer from acne since this increases the amount of oxygen the skin receives which helps prevent breakouts.

Women on birth control should be aware they run a risk of certain Vitamin B deficiencies. Foods high in Vitamin B: lentils, cereals, eggs, red meat, chicken, fish, broccoli, and asparagus. Protects the skin from free radicals and stimulates the production of skin collagen that provides smoothness and elasticity what keeps skin tight and prevents sagging.

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C also softens and renews damaged skin along with treating skin pigmentation. Foods high in Vitamin C: peppers, tomatoes, grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, and peas. These include stress and anxiety, as well as overindulging in alcohol and sugar.

Add that to the overall depletion of minerals in the soil due to monoculture and modern day over farming, and there's a likely chance that you're mineral deficient. If you're jiggling around and twitching in your bed like you're possessed by demons, it's likely a lack of magnesium and if your nail beds are looking like a white polka dot dress, then you may be zinc deficient.

Zinc is one of the most important healing minerals for skin health, and is particularly important for acne sufferers. Zinc controls the production of oil in the skin and helps control some of the hormones that can cause acne.

It's also believed to have antioxidant properties to protect against premature aging of the skin and muscles. Zinc also helps to speed up the rate of skin healing after an injury and is highly beneficial to all parts of the immune system. It's required to break down alcohol, so boozing will lead to a deficiency.

This is why after a heavy night of drinking your skin looks dull and your face looks tired. Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, rice, barley, sunflower seeds, rye, sesame seeds, olives, lean meats, liver, cooked dried beans legumes , sea vegetables, fortified cereals, soy foods, and peas.

Remember to soak grains, nuts and seeds in water overnight before eating them, to help release the phytic acid that can interfere with zinc absorption. Copper benefits skin by promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which give skin its strength and elasticity.

Copper also helps to enhance the function of antioxidants such as selenium, below which help to protect skin from oxidative damage. Copper works alongside vitamins and zinc to assist in the creation of elastin, a protein that keeps the skin flexible.

Copper foods are also required to convert the amino acid tyrosine to promote hair and skin pigment. Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, pecans, coconut, mushrooms and soybeans.

Selenium is another of the essential minerals for skin health, a strong antioxidant that's important in maintaining skin elasticity and flexibility. Some studies suggest selenium has health benefits that could help protect against skin cancer, as it protects skin from UV damage.

Magnesium is an essential mineral for skin health, bones, teeth, hair and the muscles, and it helps keep the nervous system running smoothly. A magnesium deficiency can accelerate aging of the skin. Added to skincare products, it benefits skin by helping to retain skin elasticity.

Eating fast foods and drinking soft drinks and too much alcohol can rapidly deplete and leach the body of magnesium, so avoid them.

If you have had a tipple or exercise daily then pop a couple of good quality health supplements before bed. Make sure the formula is primarily magnesium citrate and use practitioner only products to ensure minimum fillers. Chestnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, coconut, walnuts, buckwheat, barley, kidney beans, lima beans, beetroot greens, spinach, dates, lentils, brown rice and wheat germ.

It plays a major role in providing firmness and elasticity for the skin as well as all tissues and cells of the body. Calcium rich foods can also deter acne.

A calcium deficiency will result in fragile and thin skin, loss of hair, weak bones and brittle nails. Pregnant and lactating women require more as the mother's calcium reserves are drawn on at these times.

If you want to improve your overall skin health, then calcium is a must. Sesame seeds, kelp, collard, kale, watercress, parsley, dandelion greens, chickpeas, dairy products, beans, nuts especially almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios , sardines, leafy greens, fortified orange juice. Too much soft drink, alcohol, red meat and coffee can cause a calcium deficiency, as can stress.

Potassium is an electrolyte, which means it holds an electric charge, which is needed for cells to function normally. The health benefits of potassium are vital for skin care, along with maintaining overall good health, but try to avoid going over the recommended daily amounts.

Silica deficiency could lead to skin losing its elasticity, which results in premature aging and a slower healing of skin wounds. To increase the speed of wound healing, along with boosting skin health, hair health and bone health you should combine silica with zinc for maximum health benefits.

Aside from cleaning up your eating habits to help increase your overall sense of wellness, you'll also need to increase the amount of important minerals that are required for optimal living.

So ditch the foods that deplete your mineral stores like trans fats, processed foods, sugary drinks, alcohol and sugar and watch your skin start to glow from within.