We Know: How Potassium Works What is Potassium? Potassium is basic chemical element. It is classified as a mineral and is one of the most essential minerals the body uses to stay alive. It is also one of the most abundant minerals in the body, right up there with calcium and phosphorus. Why is it so important? In the body potassium becomes what is known chemically as an ion.  This is important because it means potassium functions as an electrolyte. Electrolytes help regulate numerous physiological, or life-sustaining, processes in the body. These processes include nerve function, blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction, proper heart function, and many others. How does it work? One simple way to understand how potassium works in the body is to say that it helps it maintain its water balance. How this happens is complex from a chemical standpoint. But the short version is that it works with sodium to regulate the amount of water going in and out of cells. What else does Potassium do? Potassium also assists certain chemical processes in the body, one of them being proper carbohydrate metabolism which helps store energy in the liver and muscles. What diseases are involved with Potassium imbalances? Potassium deficiency is generally associated with kidney disease, diabetes, heart problems, depression, fatigue, muscle weakness, and depression. These deficiencies usually result from diseases that affect electrolyte balances in the body, such as kidney disease. Alcoholism is another. Potassium is very abundant in the foods we eat. So, unless a person decides to live on junk food, on the average, a person isn't likely to suffer from a potassium deficiency for purely dietary reasons. Certain medications, such as diuretics prescribed to treat hypertension or high blood pressure, can also cause the body to eliminate more potassium than it normally does in the urine. Some disease processes can also result in too much potassium in the body, causing erratic heart rhythms, muscle weakness, tingling in the extremities, and even certain forms of paralysis. Note: Runners and others involved in heavy physical activity who perspire a lot and then drink too much water too quickly can also throw their potassium balance off with serious consequences. What about Potassium supplements? It is  recommended that one begin potassium supplementation with the guidance of a healthcare provider. While there is growing evidence that potassium plays a positive role in reducing stroke potential and the prevention of osteoporosis and kidney stones, supplementation for purely preventative purposes can be very risky because too much potassium in your body can stop your heart from beating. (Many multivitamins contain potassium but not at a level considered to be risky by many experts.) So, how do I make sure I get enough Potassium? It's best to get your potassium via your food, primarily through fruits and vegetables. Those food items highest in potassium include bananas, potatoes, prunes, oranges, raisins, acorn squash, lima beans, and the green leafy vegetables. There is also a lot of potassium in certain fish, including salmon, cod, flounder, and sardines.
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