Potassium Supplements

We all know that Potassium is good for you. It’s a mineral that is essential to your body. If you’ve ever taken part in athletic activities and your muscles began cramping you undoubtebly have heard someone say “Hey eat a Banana!”. They’re right, Bananas are chock full of potassium. However some of us don’t like the taste of bananas and if that’s the case with you then take a look at why potassium supplements can be a great addition to your daily nutrition regiment.

Why Take Potassium?

Potassium is an electrolyte just like sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. This is starting to sound like we’re back in chemistry class in high school isn’t it? As is true with all of the previously listed minerals; potassium conducts electricity  throughout your body. This helps all of your muscles react and work properly. It also keeps the neurons in your brain connected and firing to help you read this post right now! All in all potassium is a very beneficial supplement for your body.

Benefits of Potassium Supplements

There are numerous benefits to Potassium supplements. For those of us that don’t like bananas it’s hard to get a good amount of potassium everyday without taking a supplement. The recommended dosage for Adults is 4,700 milligrams per day. I’m not sure how many bananas that would take, but I am sure I do not want to find out!

Because Potassium plays a vital role in helping with your muscles, that means it’s also good for your heart! Potassium also keeps the pH balance in your body at operable levels and promotes water balance throughout your body. Is it starting to make sense why your muscles cramp when you don’t have enough potassium? I thought so. As I stated above Potassium is one of the key minerals to keep in your body for muscle growth, and for superior nervous system functioning.

Fight Off Pokalemia

One of the most vital uses of potassium is to combat symptoms of hypokalemia which is the scientific name for low potassium. Symptoms of hypokalemia can include weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps, nausea, and irregular heartbeats. This disease is typically caused by the loss of potassium through the intestines. However, it is not always an indication of poor diet.

High Blood Pressure

There are studies that have linked levels of potassium to have an inverse affect on blood pressure. Low potassium levels indicated higher blood pressure and high potassium helped decrease blood pressure. From knowing what we know about the mineral this makes sense. As always, be sure to talk to a Doctor before taking a potassium supplement for blood pressure.

Bone Health

There have a few studies that I have found that show a link between increased bone health and potassium rich diet. Doctors are still trying to understand the exact reasons behind the results. However more research still needs to be performed.

Side Effects of Potassium Supplements

There a few side effects to potassium supplements that I have been able to find. The most common side effects are from hyperkalemia which is having too much potassium in your system. The right amount of potassium depends on the levels of sodium and magnesium in your blood. Too much salt (sodium) in your diet could bring the need for more potassium. With all the salt used on food in the United States I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re not all low on potassium throughout the day! The side effects of potassium supplements are few and far between, and are easily controlled if you can control your potassium intake which is easily regulated by taking a supplement.

Potassium Deficiency

What is the top reason to take Potassium supplements? Deficiency, our bodies constantly need something that we’re not giving it. If you experience muscle weakness, mood changes, nausea and vomiting. Chances are you have a potassium deficiency.

Low potassium or hypokelmia can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders, and infertility. Potassium supplements are a great way to decrease the chances of all of these risks.

Also potassium deficiencies tend to follow people who have physically demanding jobs, engage in intense athletic activities, have issues with their digestive absorption( possibly Crohn’s disease), and of course people smoke or abuse alcohol.

Potassium is one of the most vital minerals your body needs. It’s a great mineral to take via a supplement or vitamin, especially if you don’t enjoy the taste of bananas. As always be sure to check with a Doctor before taking any new supplements as they might conflict with your current medications. However make sure and look at Potassium supplements if you have any of the symptoms above, you never know it might help!