Potassium
Uses in the body: found in every cell in the body and helps to
regulate the fluid and alkaline/acid balance. Plays an important
role in regulating heart rhythm, transporting oxygen to the
brain, nerve transmission, metabolism, enzyme production,
excretion and the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels.
The kidneys regulate the balance between potassium and
sodium in the body.
Potassium has many functions in the body. It helps to regulate
the activity of all muscle tissue -- smooth muscles (such as the
muscles in the intestines), the muscles of the heart, and
skeletal muscles.
Signs of deficiency: irregular heartbeat, cramps, muscle
fatigue, loss of appetite, lethargy, constipation, headaches,
depression, irritability.
Therapeutic uses: diarrhoea, poor digestion, irregular
heartbeat, high blood pressure and for those on
potassium-losing diuretics, aspirin or laxatives or high-salt
diets.
Dietary sources: vegetables, fruit and their juices (including
avocados, oranges, bananas and dried fruit), wholegrain
bread, pasta and rice, soya flour, nuts and seeds, molasses,
fish.
Dosage:
Recommended daily allowance: 3,500mg (mostly obtained
from food)
Typical therapeutic daily dose: 250mg to 850mg
Daily intake shouldn't exceed: 850mg
Cautions: not to be used by people with kidney disease or those on low-potassium diets. Medical supervision is
required for people with heart problems and those taking diuretics. Very high doses (18,000mg a day) have been
found to be harmful and can cause stomach upset or intestinal problems and interfere with heart rhythm.
Increased intake of potassium may cause hyperkalemia if kidney function is poor. Salt substitutes often contain
potassium, as do many "low-salt" packaged foods. Hyperkalemia may be caused by medications, including
medications that affect kidney function (potassium sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, or
triamterene) and potassium supplements (especially intravenous potassium).
Hyperkalemia can have serious, potentially life-threatening effects on the body. A gradual increase in potassium, as
may occur with chronic renal failure, may be better tolerated than a sudden increase. Slightly higher than normal
potassium levels may be well tolerated by some persons with chronic renal failure.
Best taken: as potassium gluconate from pharmacies (but can cause stomach upset) or as potassium chloride in salt
substitutes available from health food shops. Potassium citrate is an easily absorbed form that's less likely to cause
digestive upset. Usually taken with food morning and evening.
Potassium constitutes 5% percent of the total mineral content of the body, even though only about 34 ounces are
found in the body at one time. Because it is a primary electrolyte, potassium is known as a great alkalizer, important
in pH and water balance.* Potassium is easily absorbed, but at least 90% of it is excreted through the kidneys and
bowels.* Potassium is vital to the elimination of wastes in the body.*
Potassium is a natural diuretic, helping your body excrete water and sodium, thus promoting healthy cardiovascular
health.* In fact, a lack of potassium may be a factor in salt sensitivity.* Scientists believe that potassium has the ability
to pump sodium out of the body’s cells and reduce the body fluid.* One study discovered that high-sodium diets
significantly impact pressure within blood vessels.* Further, it may be likely that relative deficiency of minerals in the
diet, like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, influence salt sensitivity. Potassium may affect blood vessel tone and
may modify the way blood vessels react to circulating hormones that affect pressure within blood vessels. Not only is
potassium’s role in cardiovascular health quite remarkable, but it is also necessary for healthy muscle contraction.*
Potassium produces healthy electrical activity in the heart and rapid transmission of nerve impulses throughout the
body.* Heartbeat irregularities are commonly considered a classic sign of potassium deficiency.* Potassium plays a
vital role in nerve function and cellular integrity by regulating the transfer of nutrients into the cell.*
Potassium attracts oxygen to tissues; lack of it reduces tissue oxygenation. Potassium aids in good muscle tone,
correct positioning of vital organs, and a strong heart.* If potassium is depleted, it is likely that albumin, sugar,
gelatinous substances, sodium, and chlorine are also in short supply or not fully assimilated. The body clearly needs
a certain amount of sodium to support cardiovascular health. It also needs certain levels of other minerals, such as
potassium, to keep sodium levels in the body from getting too high.* Research shows that controlling the salt and
water content at the cellular level with proper potassium levels promotes healthy cellular function, energy production,
and overall biological integrity.* Low-sodium, high-potassium environments can support proper cell protein
configuration.*
Potassium also supports the adrenal glands.* These glands are often severely impaired from a protracted period of
functioning in a continual state of stress response.
Potassium supplements help to support healthy sugar balance in the body.*
Potassium is necessary for healthy muscle contraction and rapid transmission of nerve impulses through the body.*
Proper conduction of nerve impulses is essential for smooth and coordinated movement of muscle as related to
motion.*
Potassium is essential for supporting nerve impulses, maintaining acid-base balance, and converting blood glucose
to glycogen (stored carbohydrates that make up the body’s priority fuel reserves).* It also helps widen the blood
vessels during exercise, thereby increasing blood flow to help carry away heat.*
