How Can the Elderly Supplement Potassium Deficiency?
Although our bodies require only a small amount of various minerals, a lack of them can still lead to health problems. Both children and the elderly are prone to potassium deficiency. If an elderly person is deficient in potassium, they can consume more seafood or crustaceans in their daily diet, such as shrimp and crabs. If dietary therapy is ineffective, mineral supplements can also be considered.
Per 100 grams of laver contains 1640 milligrams of potassium, which is 175 times the amount of sodium. Kelp contains 22 times more potassium than sodium. Therefore, dishes such as laver soup, steamed fish with laver, laver meatballs, cold seaweed salad, and kelp stewed with meat are excellent choices for replenishing potassium during the summer.
Edamame is rich in potassium, and consuming it during the summer can help compensate for potassium loss caused by excessive sweating, thereby relieving fatigue, weakness, and decreased appetite caused by potassium loss. In traditional Chinese medicine, edamame is considered sweet and neutral in nature, and has the functions of strengthening the spleen, removing dampness, lubricating the lungs, and detoxifying. It is nutritious and contains protein, calcium, iron, vitamins, and other nutrients. Due to its dietary effects of tonifying the qi and strengthening the spleen, it is very suitable for the elderly with weak spleen and stomach.
Mung beans are rich in calories, protein, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, carbohydrates, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, niacin, copper, and vitamin E, which are higher than the average of similar foods. They are nutritious and can be used to make bean porridge, bean meals, bean wine, bean paste, bean cakes, or sprouted as vegetables. Therefore, they are known as excellent foods and are beneficial to health.
Every 100 grams of strawberries contains 131 milligrams of potassium and 30 calories. The carotenoids in strawberries are important substances for the synthesis of vitamin A, which has the effect of improving eyesight and nourishing the liver. Additionally, strawberries are plants rich in tannic acid, which can adsorb and prevent the absorption of carcinogenic chemicals in the body, thus having an anticancer effect.