The Vitamin Cure. Monte Lai

       • Type. In the marketplace, commonly found potassium supplements include potassium carbonate, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, potassium acetate, and potassium chloride. At least 90% of potassium ingested from foods or supplements is readily absorbed in the intestines. Potassium gluconate has a less bitter taste.

       • Dosage. When purchasing potassium, pay attention to product labeling. Potassium gluconate supplements may contain only 20% potassium and 80% gluconate. A 500-mg tablet of potassium gluconate may contain only 100 mg of potassium unless stated otherwise on the labeling.

       • Hypertension. Potassium supplements lower blood pressure. Randomized controlled clinical studies have shown that potassium supplements taken at a dose of 1 g daily for one month lowered blood pressure from 151/93 to 138/88 in the supplement group compared to no significant change in blood pressure in the placebo group. Potassium supplements can be taken with meals to avoid nausea or vomiting.

       • Hypercalcemia. Potassium supplements mitigate hypercalcemia, a high blood calcium condition that could trigger the formation of kidney stones. Potassium supplementation at a dose of 2 g daily has been found to reduce hypercalcemia by 30%.

       • Side effects. Taking potassium supplements at a dose of 18 g daily can give rise to hyperkalemia, a high blood potassium condition characterized by numbness in the extremities, weakness, and temporary paralysis. Other potential side effects of high-dose potassium supplements are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

       • Hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can be triggered by heart disease drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulant drugs, and antihypertensive drugs.

       • Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can be precipitated by adrenalin, bronchodilators, diuretics, and antibiotics.

       • Membrane potential. Sodium ions and potassium ions help maintain the proper membrane potential in every cell in the body. The membrane potential of the cellular membrane controls the traffic of substances into or out of a cell as well as the transmission of nerve messages from the brain to various parts of the body, such as the heart and muscles.

       • Blood pressure. Sodium ions participate in regulating blood volume and blood pressure. A high blood sodium concentration triggers the outflow of intracellular water into the bloodstream and dilutes the blood sodium concentration. On the other hand, the outflow of intracellular water into the bloodstream results in a shortage of water intracellularly and the feeling of thirst. That is why consumption of salty foods will make you feel thirsty. In addition, the outflow of intracellular water into the bloodstream due to a high blood sodium concentration increases the volume of the bloodstream, which exerts extra pressure against the arterial wall and hastens hypertension. Habitual consumption of salty foods can therefore elevate the risk of hypertension.

       • The major symptoms of sodium deficiency include headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, as well as, in severe cases, brain swelling, seizures, unconsciousness, and brain damage.

       • Diuretics. Sodium deficiency is frequently caused by long-term use of medications such as diuretics, which can diminish the blood sodium concentration, rather than insufficient dietary intake.

       • Athletics. Heavy perspiration can precipitate the loss of electrolytes such as sodium ions from the bloodstream. For example, triathlon and marathon runners who lose a lot of sodium ions during vigorous competition and drink large amounts of low-sodium water to quench the thirst are vulnerable to severe sodium deficiency, which can, in severe cases, lead to brain swelling, unconsciousness, and even death.