Potassium is found in a wide variety of foods. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources, but fish, meat and nuts also provide potassium. Getting plenty of this essential nutrient through your diet may improve your health. However, some medications commonly used by women and health conditions that affect them can adversely affect potassium levels.
Function
Potassium is an electrolyte that's important for proper heart function, transmitting nerve impulses and contracting your muscles. It is used by all of your cells, including those in your organs. The potassium levels in your blood and your cells need to be carefully regulated for good health.
Benefits
Getting lots of potassium through your diet may lower your risk for stroke, high blood pressure, kidney stones and osteoporosis. Those with inflammatory bowel disease need to take particular care to make sure they are getting enough potassium, since this condition interferes with potassium absorption.
Interactions
Taking ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, cyclosporin, heparin, NSAIDS or the antibiotic trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking Yasmin oral contraceptives along with any of these drugs may further increase this effect, potentially causing potassium levels to rise too high. Some medications, including antacids, diuretics, laxatives and insulin may lower your potassium levels.
Considerations
Women who are breastfeeding should consume extra potassium. The adequate intake levels for potassium are 4,700 mg per day for women over 18 years old and 5,100 mg per day for women who are breastfeeding.
Potassium supplements can cause side effects including diarrhea, nausea and stomach irritation. They should be used only on the advice of your doctor.
Warning
Hypokalemia, or abnormally low potassium, can be very dangerous. Anorexia, bulimia, and the overuse of laxatives or diuretics may increase the risk for this condition. Severe hypokalemia can cause an irregular heartbeat and paralyze your muscles and sometimes leads to death.
Too much potassium, or hyperkalemia, can also be dangerous, leading to abnormal heart rhythm and heart attack. This condition normally occurs only with the use of supplements, not through diets rich in potassium. However, kidney failure and some medications can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Member Comments