Are Salt & Potassium The Same Thing?

Sodium, or salt, and potassium both function as electrolytes, which play roles in processes such as muscle function and the regulation of water levels in your body. Both sodium and potassium are electrically charged minerals present inside and outside of cells. Salt and potassium serve distinct roles in your diet, and getting the proper amount of both of these minerals is important to your health.

Function

Potassium helps metabolize carbohydrates, synthesize protein from amino acids, maintain healthy heart function and build muscle. Sodium aids in the absorption of water, amino acids and glucose, as well as in the regulation of blood volume and blood pressure. While too much sodium in your diet can lead to hypertension, getting enough potassium potentially counteracts harmful effects of too much sodium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Comparison

Salt, salt substitutes, herbs and spices are commonly used to season food during cooking or at the table. Salt contains sodium chloride, while salt substitutes have potassium chloride. Potassium-based salt substitutes produce a bitter aftertaste, but they can be effective at reducing sodium in your diet. If you need to increase your potassium intake, salt substitutes might be doubly effective in helping to regulate blood pressure and meet your nutritional needs. However, the Harvard School of Public Health cautions that too much potassium is also potentially dangerous, particularly if you take medications that increase potassium levels or if you have kidney disease, diabetes or other conditions that inhibit your ability to flush excess potassium from your body. Discuss your salt and potassium needs with your doctor.

Consumption

Salt is too prevalent in the American diet, with intakes often exceeding the recommended maximum of 2,300 mg per day. Roughly 75 percent of salt intake comes from processed foods, while 5 to 10 percent comes from salt added during cooking or at the table, according to the USDA. Potassium consumption, unlike salt intake, is typically lower than the recommended 4,700 mg daily, as a result of dietary preferences and choices.

Considerations

The regulation of cellular levels of sodium and potassium accounts for around 20 to 40 percent of the calories you burn at rest. To get enough dietary potassium, include good sources in your meal plans; try fish, soy foods, meat, poultry, citrus fruits, bananas, raisins, dried apricots, broccoli, lima beans, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. If you have high blood pressure or other diet-related health problems, talk with your doctor about your sodium and potassium intake.