Potassium – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com
Monday, September 24, 2018 by Michelle Simmons
http://www.naturalpedia.com/potassium-uses-health-risks-and-side-effects-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Potassium is an essential mineral for the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system to work properly. It is usually supplied by the food you eat. However, there are certain diseases, such as kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease with vomiting and diarrhea, and drugs that remove potassium from the body. Thus, potassium supplements are recommended to replace the lost potassium and prevent potassium deficiency. They are also used to treat high blood pressure and prevent stroke. In some cases, potassium is used to treat high levels of calcium, Menière’s disease, thallium poisoning, insulin resistance, symptoms of menopause, and infant colic.
Potassium supplements are available in various forms: oral liquid, powder, granules, effervescent tablets, regular tablets, extended-release tablets, and extended-release capsules. They are typically taken two to four times a day, with or immediately after meals. All forms of potassium are taken with a full glass of water or fruit juice.
Known side effects of potassium
Potassium can also cause adverse side effects when a person consumes more than the 4,700 mg recommended adequate intake. Potassium toxicity is associated with an extremely high intake of potassium supplements. However, there are no reports on food-related potassium toxicity. Too much potassium can cause feelings of burning or tingling, generalized weakness, paralysis, listlessness, dizziness, mental confusion, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and death.
Potassium may cause the following side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Body systems that may be harmed by potassium
The body systems that may be harmed by taking too much potassium include the metabolic and gastrointestinal systems.
Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to potassium
The following food items have similar effects to potassium supplement as they are naturally rich in potassium:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Beets
- Clams
- Coconut water
- Oranges and orange juice
- Parsnips
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Tomato sauce
- White beans
- Yogurt
Treatments, management plans for the potassium’s side effects
The following are natural ways to treat diarrhea, one of the side effects of potassium:
- Stay hydrated. You can stay hydrated by consuming clear liquids like clear broth and water and avoiding drinking caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary drinks.
- Eat a bland diet. For the first 24 hours of diarrhea, only have clear liquids. Then, gradually add bland foods to your diet. Some bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Where to learn more
- Potassium helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and more
- Potassium supplements boost bone density in women, prevent osteoporosis
- Balance Sodium with Potassium for Good Health
- Potassium-enriched salt may cut heart risks (press release)
- Potassium normalizes high blood pressure
Summary
Potassium is an essential mineral needed by the body to function properly.
Potassium supplements are used to replace the lost potassium and prevent potassium deficiency.
Potassium can also cause health problems when consumed more than the recommended amount.
Potassium overdose can cause feelings of burning or tingling, generalized weakness, paralysis, listlessness, dizziness, mental confusion, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and death.
Potassium can also cause diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting.
Sources include:
Tagged Under: Tags: potassium
