Four Bananas will equal one potassium tablet
Potassium
Updated Mar. 04th, 2022
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.
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.
I recently started learning about potassium as I heard how certain things like stress and too much sugar consumption could deplete it and currently I am under a lot of stress and eat more sugar than I should. I'm glad I came across this article as I was wondering whether I should supplement with potassium or not. I'm glad the article outlined all of the food sources for potassium and what type of potassium is best to be taken. The chart above also mentions potassium toxicity, what causes this? And it is toxic to have too much potassium?
Hello,
We're glad you enjoyed our article on potassium and have learned more about this mineral. Potassium toxicity occurs when your blood accumulates too much potassium, to lessen the likelihood of this, ensure you're consuming the recommended amount of potassium or speak with your health care practitioner to check your levels.
Have a healthy day!