Description
"Potassium" is an essential mineral and electrolyte necessary for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Its role in heart health includes regulating blood pressure and counteracting excess sodium. Muscle coordination and endurance rely on sufficient potassium levels to prevent cramping and maintain performance. Nerve impulses depend on this mineral for efficient communication between cells. In kidney function, potassium helps regulate filtration and toxin removal. Potassium remains essential for maintaining cardiovascular function and overall physiological stability.
Functions in the Body
Category
Deficiency Symptoms
Potassium deficiency can result in symptoms such as irregular heart rhythms, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, constipation, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and muscle numbness. In severe cases, it may contribute to adrenal gland disorders.
Synergists & Antagonists
Potassium is commonly paired with vitamin B6, PABA, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and magnesium for electrolyte balance and muscle health. Excess sodium or diuretics may lower potassium levels.
Potassium
Warnings
Use potassium supplements or high-potassium foods with caution if you have gastrointestinal motility issues or kidney disease. It interacts with high blood pressure medications, such as potassium-sparing diuretics, and excessive intake may lead to hyperkalemia.
Food Sources
Potassium can be found in nutritional yeast, oranges, apples, bananas, apricots, cantaloupe, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, beans, peas, and almonds.
Time Frame
Potassium should ideally be consumed with meals for better absorption and to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Depleted By
Potassium levels can be depleted by factors such as alcohol, antacids, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, sedatives, muscle relaxants, laxatives, immunosuppressants, hyperuricemia medications, diuretics, statins, anti-cancer medications, caffeine, bronchodilators, blood pressure medications, cardiac regulators, antivirals, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antifungals, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, NSAIDs, and opioids.