Your body needs potassium to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels normal, contract your muscles, keep your heart beat steady, turn food into energy, build muscle, transmit nerve impulses and create proteins. Some foods, beverages and medications can interfere with potassium function, however, increasing your need for this essential mineral.
Recommended Intake
The recommended dietary allowance for potassium is 4,700 milligrams per day for adults. Most, if not all, of your potassium intake should come from foods rather than supplements. Good sources include cantaloupes, citrus juices, bananas, meat, chicken, cod, flounder, sardines, salmon, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes, peas, apricots, prunes and kiwi fruit.
Medications that Deplete Potassium
A number of medications can interfere with potassium absorption. These include diuretics, laxatives, insulin, antacids, corticosteroids, the asthma medication theophylline, fluconazole, amphotericin B and steroids. If you take any of these medications, you may need your potassium levels tested to make sure you do not need to take a potassium supplement.
Other Things that Interfere with Potassium
Black licorice made with licorice extract contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can lower potassium levels. Alcoholics are also at risk for hypokalemia, or low blood potassium, and so are people suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. Sodium and potassium counteract each other, so aim to consume at least as much potassium as sodium to help keep your blood pressure levels normal.
Low Potassium
Low blood potassium levels can be dangerous. Symptoms of hypokalemia include abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness and paralysis, intestinal paralysis and abnormal heart rhythm. If you suspect you have hypokalemia, have your doctor check your potassium levels. Do not take potassium supplements without checking with your doctor, because consuming too much potassium from supplements can also be dangerous for some people.
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