Potassium is an essential mineral that helps the body's many processes run smoothly. Potassium allows your muscles to function properly so that you can walk, run and otherwise go about your day. Without enough potassium --- a condition called hypokalemia --- cells throughout your body suffer. In particular, your muscles become week and may cramp painfully. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about your potassium levels and related muscle pain, and before taking any kind of supplement.
Importance of Potassium
Potassium is a type of electrolyte. It helps cells work properly, the MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia explains, but also helps with electrical functions within the body. Protein is necessary for synthesizing proteins, and helps keep the electrical activity in the heart healthy. Your body also needs potassium to help build muscles and promote healthy growth. Very low potassium is a serious health concern and may threaten life if severely low.
Muscle Pain and Cramps
One of the main symptoms of hypokalemia is muscle pain and cramping. Muscles are affected because of potassium's role in promoting muscle function and growth. Other symptoms of low potassium levels include general weakness of the muscles and fatigue. The muscles may also spasm, MedlinePlus reports, and paralysis may even occur. Low potassium isn't often due to insufficient dietary potassium, so you should see your doctor if you have muscle pain and other symptoms of hypokalemia.
Levels of Potassium
It's possible to have both too much and too little potassium in your blood. For example, MedlinePlus reports that kidney-failure patients undergoing dialysis need to limit potassium in their diets. Most adults need about 4.7 grams of potassium daily, with breast-feeding moms needing 5.1 grams each day. A blood test can measure how much potassium is in your bloodstream. According to MayoClinic.com, a healthy potassium level is somewhere between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalents per liter.
Getting Enough Potassium
To get your daily recommended amount of potassium, make sure you include potassium-rich foods in your regular menu. Any meat is a great source of potassium, as are some fish --- including salmon. Adding a variety of veggies to your diet --- particularly sweet potatoes, broccoli, peas and squash --- is another way to ensure plenty of dietary potassium. Nuts, dairy products, bananas and other fruits are also good sources of potassium.
