Potassium is a mineral that is found in foods such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, cod, tomatoes, poultry, salmon, lima beans and orange juice. It is also widely available in supplement form in Western health food stores, groceries and drug stores. The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is about 2,000 mg per day.
Check with your physician before using food sources or supplements to increase your potassium intake.
Fluid Regulation
Potassium works with sodium to help regulate fluid balance in your body, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Proper fluid balance is necessary to prevent dehydration, which can cause fatigue and interfere with the repair of cells. Excess fluid in your body can lead to bloating and water weight gain. Buildup of fluid in your body's tissues can also constrict blood vessels, impeding blood flow through your circulatory system.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Potassium is involved in regulating blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A deficiency of this mineral may contribute to elevated blood pressure, which may increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure may also force your heart to work harder, which can eventually weaken and enlarge your heart. However, adding potassium through supplements or food sources may not improve blood pressure if you are not already deficient in this mineral.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in your body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition can cause irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, abdominal cramps and fatigue. Hypokalemia is typically caused by excessive excretion of potassium in urine, rather than inadequate dietary potassium intake; however, increasing potassium may help correct this condition. Because hypokalemia is potentially life-threatening, taking potassium supplements or consuming potassium-rich foods should not replace medical attention for this condition.
Considerations
Although potassium plays several important roles in physical health, increasing your intake of potassium may cause side effects. These may include weakness, slowed heart rate, nausea, stomach pains and diarrhea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also, potassium may interact with prescription diuretics and antibiotics. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta blockers and certain immunosuppresants may cause elevated levels of potassium in your body.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
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