Potassium is an important mineral that works to help balance fluid levels in the body and can benefit health in a number of ways including decreasing the risk of stroke, lowering blood pressure, supporting muscle and bone strength, and even reducing kidney stones. Lack of potassium can cause fatigue, weakness and event respiratory failure so it’s crucial that people get the proper intake. Traina Home Grown® further explores the importance of potassium, how to ensure the body is getting enough, and how use potassium to improve a workout session.

It is recommended that people get between 3,500 and 4,700 milligrams of potassium each day. Potassium is lost through sweat, which means it needs to be replenished — particularly after intense physical activity that can result in low potassium levels. Low levels of potassium can reduce energy and lead to muscle cramps and spasms.

Consuming at least 300 milligrams of potassium can help replace the amount lost during a one- to two-hour workout and help athletes avoid the dangers of low potassium. Because potassium counteracts the effects sodium has on the body, an increase of this electrolyte can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and help maintain healthy blood pressure in conjunction with reduced sodium intake. Potassium also helps to increase muscle strength and metabolism, balance the nervous system, maintain brain function, and even offer relief from stress and anxiety.

People can get their daily recommended intake through healthy foods — including Traina Home Grown® dried fruits such as fruitons® fruit bits. Each package of fruitons® contains between 130 to 310 milligrams of potassium, which can easily fuel the body after a workout. Dried apricots in particular are high in potassium, and a delicious way to enjoy refueling the body’s potassium levels. Just one serving of dried apricots has more than 10 percent the daily recommended potassium intake. Traina Home Grown’s® Banana Chips are also a scrumptious way to get a solid dose of potassium — and their long shelf life and packaging make them an easy source to have on hand at all times, even on the go. For ideas on how to incorporate these potassium rich dried fruits into any meal, visit www.trainafoods.com.