There are three reasons for potassium deficiency in summer. First, people sweat a lot in summer. In addition to water and sodium, sweat also contains a certain amount of potassium ions. Second, people's appetite declines in summer, and the potassium ions absorbed from food are correspondingly reduced, which will lead to insufficient potassium intake. Third, when the weather is hot, the human body consumes more energy, and energy metabolism needs the participation of potassium. The concentration of potassium in human serum is only 3.5 ~ 5.5 mmol/L, but it is necessary for life activities. The main function of potassium in human body is to maintain acid-base balance, participate in energy metabolism and maintain the normal function of neuromuscular. When the human body lacks potassium, it will cause general weakness, fatigue, weakened heartbeat and dizziness, and severe potassium deficiency will also lead to respiratory muscle paralysis and death. In addition, low potassium can also slow down gastrointestinal peristalsis, lead to intestinal paralysis, aggravate anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension and other symptoms. Clinical medical data also prove that all patients with heatstroke have decreased blood potassium.

The key to prevent and treat low potassium is to supplement potassium. Clinically, 10% potassium chloride solution can be taken orally, but the safest and most effective method is to eat more foods rich in potassium, especially fruits and vegetables. Fruits rich in potassium include bananas, strawberries, oranges, grapes, grapefruit and watermelons. Vegetables such as spinach, yam, edamame, amaranth and scallion are also rich in potassium, and soybeans, mung beans, broad beans, kelp, laver, yellow croaker, chicken, milk and corn flour also contain a certain amount of potassium. All kinds of fruit juices, especially orange juice, are also rich in potassium, which can supplement water and energy. It is determined that it contains 1. 1% ~ 2.3% potassium, so tea is the best summer drink.

Potassium is an indispensable substance to sustain life. Together with sodium, it regulates the balance of water in the body and makes the heartbeat regular. Potassium is very important for chemical reactions in cells and plays a very important role in helping to maintain stable blood pressure and the conduction of nerve activities.

Potassium deficiency will reduce the excitability of muscles, make the contraction and relaxation of muscles unable to proceed smoothly, and it is easy to get tired. In addition, it will also hinder the peristalsis of the intestine and cause constipation; It can also cause edema, hemiplegia and heart attack. When potassium intake is insufficient, sodium will bring a lot of water into cells, causing cell rupture and edema. Lack of potassium in the blood will raise blood sugar, leading to hyperglycemia. In addition, potassium deficiency is the most serious damage to the heart, which may be the main cause of death from heart disease.

The main symptoms of potassium deficiency in human body are tachycardia and arrhythmia, muscle weakness, numbness, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, insanity and psychological indifference.

Children should take 1600 mg of potassium every day, and adults should take 2000 mg every day. Potash-containing foods include dairy products, fish, fruits, beans, meat, poultry, unprocessed grains and green leafy vegetables, such as apricots, bananas, beer yeast, brown rice, figs, garlic, raisins and sweet potatoes. Magnesium helps to maintain potassium in cells, while consuming too much sodium, alcohol and sugar; Taking diuretics, light drugs, corticosteroids and excessive psychological pressure will hinder the absorption of potassium.