Potassium: Benefits, Functions, Sources, and Dosage Information

There is more potassium (K) in body cells than any other mineral, and you need large amounts of it. Potassium helps maintain proper acid-like alkaline balance in the blood and tissues and prevents over-acidity. It is essential for muscle contraction, promotes hormone secretion, and helps kidneys detoxify the blood. Its viral functions include acting as an electrolyte, converting blood sugar into glycogen, and storing blood sugar in the muscles and liver. For example, muscle energy comes from burning glycogen, but without enough potassium, there is not enough glycogen—and extreme fatigue and muscle weakness results.

Potassium Sources

1. All vegetables, especially green leafy ones
2. Thick white potato peelings
3. Bananas

Three Electrolytes

Potassium, sodium, and chloride are electrolytes (minerals which, when dissolved in water, conduct electricity). The three are very closely related. They always operate in pairs: a positively charged molecule (sodium or potassium) with a negatively charged one (chloride [chlorine]). Although all are important, potassium is the key—it is the most important of the three.

Deficiency Symptoms

Lack of (K) causes sodium (salt) to accumulate in the body. The result is edema,high blood pressure, and heart failure. The heart muscle can be damaged. Constipation, extreme fatigue, muscular weakness, low blood sugar, and nervous disorders.

Interactions

This mineral works closely with magnesium in many body functions.

Warning

This mineral and sodium must be kept in proper balance at all times, or serious problems develop. Too much sodium in the diet disrupts the potassium/ sodium balance in the body. A low-potassium, high-sodium diet helps produce cancer, and cardiovascular disease (heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, etc.). But a diet high in potassium and low in sodium—protects against those diseases! 

You can easily take too much sodium, but you cannot take too much (K)! Restricting salt (sodium chloride) intake does not lower blood pressure until (K) intake is greatly improved. High-dosage potassium salts (in pill form) can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and ulcers. There is lots of (K) in fruits and vegetables and almost none in processed foods. 

There is relatively little sodium in fruits and vegetables and far too much (often extremely too much) in processed foods. There are no ill effects from a diet rich in excess potassium, with one exception: if you have kidney disease, you will need to restrict your potassium intake.

Dosage

RDA 1875 mg / ODA 2500 mg / TDA 5500 mg

• Recommended – The estimated dietary intake is 1.9-5.6 grams. But this amount will easily be surpassed if you eat largely of fruits and vegetables.

HEALTH DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational uses only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult an authorized healthcare provider for any health concerns before using any herbal or natural remedy. We do not establish, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Reliance on any material from this website is solely at your own risk. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information or products mentioned on this website.

REFERENCES

Vance Ferrell, Harold M. Cherne, M.D. 2010. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia. Altamont : Harvestime Books, 2010. pp. 111. Vol. Seventh.