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Home >
Research Department >
Supplement Articles >
Potassium |
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Supplement Articles |
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POTASSIUM
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Potassium
regulates heart rhythm and
nerve transmission ... |
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POTASSIUM |
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Four Bananas will
equal one potassium
tablet |
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Potassium is a key
electrolyte that
must be kept within
certain limits by
the body because it
regulates heart
rhythm and nerve
transmission.
Stress hormones make
nerve and muscle
cells fire more
quickly by altering
the balance of
potassium and sodium
inside and outside
the cell. Therefore
chronic stress
eventually leads to
an increase in the
body’s potassium
requirements. |
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Potassium regulates
water balance, via
the kidneys, and
therefore is an
important component
in blood pressure
regulation.
Potassium can
prevent calcium
kidney stones when
taken together with
magnesium. It
also regulates the
intake of nutrients
through cell
membranes. As
we age this function
decreases and may be
a reason why
circulatory damage,
lethargy and
weakness are common
amongst the elderly.
Supplemental
potassium is best
taken in organic
forms such as
gluconate, citrate
and fumarate. They
usually contain 99mg
of elemental
potassium per
tablet. Inorganic
potassium is
labelled as
potassium sulphate,
chloride, oxide and
carbonate. These
forms are not as
easily used by the
body as the organic
forms. Most
multivitamin/mineral
preparations include
a small amount of
potassium.
Potassium levels are
disrupted by kidney
disease, diarrhea,
stress, low
carbohydrate diets
and the use of
laxatives,
diuretics, alcohol,
tobacco, caffeine,
sugar and licorice.
Individuals on heart
or kidney medication
should not
supplement with
potassium until they
have consulted with
a health
professional. |
Potassium –
QUICK FACTS
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FOOD SOURCES
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Dairy
products,
fish, fruit
including
bananas,
legumes,
meat,
poultry,
vegetables,
whole
grains. |
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DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS |
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Dry skin,
acne,
chills,
cognitive
impairment,
constipation/diarrhea,
depression,
decreased
reflexes,
edema,
irregular
heartbeat,
high blood
pressure,
muscle
weakness,
respiratory
distress. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
99 mg
elemental
potassium
daily.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Vitamin B5,
magnesium,
calcium. |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
click for products |
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Stress and
low
carbohydrate
diets
increase
your need
for
potassium.
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Those with
kidney
impairment
should not
use
potassium.
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Potassium
toxicity
causes
muscle
weakness,
vomiting and
heart
arrhythmias. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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