Potassium is an alkalizer, which means it neutralizes acids, restoring the acid-base balance in your body. You would typically use a potassium supplement if your diet does not supply enough potassium -- or if you have a potassium deficiency due to illness or treatments with certain prescribed drugs such as diuretics. Doctors also recommend liquid potassium supplements to enhance cardiovascular function and to improve muscle contraction in your body. Despite its benefits, you should always speak with a physician prior to taking any liquid potassium supplement.
Potassium in Your Body
Your cell membranes require potassium to function properly. Additionally, potassium has a regulatory role in hormone actions. Along with other minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, chlorine and magnesium, potassium accounts for approximately 0.7 percent of the total atoms in your body. Many cells exchange potassium for other minerals or ions to allow certain functions, such as secreting acid in your stomach or to allow proper re-absorption of certain materials in your kidneys. Potassium also helps your body maintain an electrical balance required for your cells to function properly.
Liquid Potassium Supplements
According to "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology," your body can absorb approximately 98 percent of liquid potassium supplements. Additionally, liquid potassium facilitates the removal of sodium from your body and can improve blood pressure. This substance can also affect the tone of your blood vessels and their reactions to certain substances and hormones. Moreover, liquid potassium promotes healthy electrical activity in your heart and the rapid transmission of nerve impulses throughout your body. Potassium may also support tissue oxygenation and allow proper flushing of bacterial toxins from your body.
Dietary Recommendations
According to "Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function," the minimum daily requirement for potassium in adolescents and adults is 2,000 mg. Your blood's potassium level is not, however, indicative of your body's total potassium levels, which is actually an index of cell mass and muscle. Most foods contain potassium, especially fruits, vegetables, juices and meats.
Precautions
You should not take liquid potassium supplements if you have high potassium levels or if you currently take potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene. Additionally, some drugs may interact with liquid potassium supplements, including aldosterone blockers such as spironolactone, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as enalapril, and nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. You should only use liquid potassium under a doctor's supervision when dehydrated or if you have acidosis, adrenal gland problems, diarrhea, kidney problems or severe burns.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Potassium Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route); Micromedex;November 2010
- Drugs: Potassium Chloride Liquid; May 2011
- "Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function"; Arthur Vander et al; 1998
- "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology"; John E. Hall; 2010
Member Comments