Ask Dr Miriam

Q You write quite often about potassium, telling us to make sure we get enough of it. Why’s it so important? A Potassium is a mineral essential for our health. It’s needed to balance fluids in your body so the electrical signals to your heart can work and function properly.

A low intake, coupled with too much salt, can contribute to high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Worryingly, the average adult doesn’t manage to hit the required daily levels. Potassium and sodium are in balance, so the more potassium you eat the more sodium you will lose in your urine. Potassium also helps to ease tension in the blood vessel walls, and these two effects combine to help keep blood pressure normal. You can boost your potassium levels by eating soya beans, avocados, prunes and baked potatoes.