1. POTASSIUM & SODIUM

2. Electrolytes  Potassium is the major positively charged electrolyte in the intracellular fluid.  Sodium is the primary positively charged electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.

3. FUNCTION IN THE BODY NA+/K+ PUMP

4. FUNCTION IN THE BODY POTASIUM  Regulates contraction of muscles.  Assists in transmission of nerve cells.  Assists in maintaining blood pressure.

5. FUNCTION IN THE BODY SODIUM  Necessary for regulation of blood and body fluid.  Transmission of nerve impulses.  Heart activity.  Metabolic functions.

6. FOOD SOURCES POTASSIUM  Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables.  Salt substitutes made from potassium chloride.

7. FOOD SOURCES SODIUM  Most commonly added to food in the form of sodium chloride (table salt).  Found naturally in meat, nuts, grains, fruit and vegetables.  Dairy products in low amounts.  Processed food.

8. RDA POTASSIUM  4.7g day for adult men and women age 19 to 50 years of age.

9. RDA SODIUM  2,400mg/day.  Less than one tenth of most diets.

10. DEFICIENCIES & DISEASE POTASSIUM  Increased potassium intake is associated with a decreased level of stroke.  Increased potassium intake is associated with significantly lower blood pressure.

11. DEFICIENCIES & DISEASE SODIUM  High blood pressure.  Increased excretion of calcium, loss of bone density.  Hyponatremia- low blood sodium levels. Can result in headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting & muscle cramps.

12. FUN FACT SODIUM SODIUM IS NOT NEEDED BY PLANTS, THEREFORE, A COMPLETLEY PLANT BASED DIET WILL BE VERY LOW IN SODIUM. THIS REQUIRES SOME HERBIVORES TO OBTAIN SODIUM FROM SALT LICKS AND OTHER MINERAL SOURCES.