Potassium is an important electrolyte in the body and plays a role in maintaining the health of many different tissues including the muscles and nerves. Potassium levels affect the composition of the urine. It also can help minimize the risk of kidney stones. You can increase your potassium intake by consuming potassium-rich foods or taking supplements with potassium.
Kidney Stone Identification
Kidney stones are masses made up of multiple tiny crystals.. One or more of these stones can develop in the kidneys and can cause intense pain if they become stuck in the ureter, which is the duct which transports urine from the kidneys to the rest of the urinary tract. Kidney stones result in intense flank or belly pain, fever, chills, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting.
Kidney Stone Causes
Kidney stones are caused by levels of certain substances getting so high in the urine that these compounds cannot stay dissolved. The most common type of kidney stone is composed of a combination of calcium and oxalate, another chemical found in the urine. Men are more likely to get kidney stones than women; these stones typically first appear between the ages of 20 and 30. Kidney stones made of calcium oxalate or other substances are likely to recur.
Potassium and Kidney Stones
One way you can prevent calcium-based kidney stones is to consume more potassium. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, increasing your potassium intake causes your body to excrete less calcium into your urine. In addition, increased potassium intake makes your urine more alkaline, and the amount of calcium in your urine is tied to your urine's acidity. Although potassium cannot eliminate already existing kidney stones, it does serve as an effective preventative measure in people with a history of calcium oxalate stones.
Dosage and Safety
Potassium citrate is often prescribed to prevent kidney stones. Because the dosage varies depending on your blood potassium levels and other factors, take potassium citrate according to the directions on the packaging or based on your doctor's instructions. If you consume an extended release tablet, swallow it whole, Drugs.com recommends; you should mix liquid potassium with 1/2 cup of water or fruit juice. Potassium citrate is generally safe, but you will need to have your blood potassium levels and heartbeat periodically checked to make sure your potassium levels do not get too high.
