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You can take potassium supplements every day if your doctor has advised you to do so.
However, since too much potassium can cause health issues or complicate an existing condition, you should only take potassium supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
What happens if you have too much potassium?
At higher doses, potassium supplements can cause dangerous side effects such as:
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular heartbeats
- Confusion
- Tingling sensation
- Low blood pressure
- Upset stomach
- Coma
What conditions can result from potassium deficiency?
Potassium is an important mineral that plays a significant role in various processes, including the functioning of heart and muscle movements. Potassium deficiency can cause health problems such as:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Pounding heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty breathing
- Mood changes
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Arthritis
- Digestive issues
When do you need potassium supplements?
Generally speaking, you can get enough potassium from a healthy balanced diet. However, if you aren’t getting enough potassium from your diet or your potassium levels are low due to illness or treatment, you may require potassium supplements.
Potassium deficiency can be seen in the following conditions:
- Use of diuretics (water pills)
- Heavy physical exercises
- Jobs that require heavy physical work
- Health conditions affecting nutrient absorption such as Crohn's disease
- Smoking
- Eating disorder
Potassium supplements are available in many forms:
- Effervescent tablets
- Extended-release tablets
- Capsule
- Powder
- Solutions
- Injectable potassium
What are good food sources of potassium?
Good food sources of potassium include:
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Citrus fruits such as oranges and limes
- Leafy green vegetables
- Milk
- Potatoes
What precautions should you take with potassium supplements?
When taking potassium supplements, keep the following things in mind:
- Allergy: Let your doctor know if you have any allergies. Sometimes, potassium supplements can cause allergic reactions.
- Risk of hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium levels): Since few studies have been conducted on older people, there is no specific information about side effects of potassium supplements in the elderly compared with other age groups. Older people may have a higher risk of hyperkalemia than others; thus, they may need regular monitoring of serum potassium levels.
- Drug interaction: Dietary supplements are not recommended with some medications due to the risk of side effects. These medications include:
- Atropine
- Biperiden
- Dicyclomine
- Other medications: Certain medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase your serum potassium levels. Taking potassium supplements with these medications can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerHow to take potassium supplements
Take potassium supplements with food or immediately after meals to avoid an upset stomach:
- Liquid form: Diluted with cold water or juice to reduce stomach irritation.
- Soluble granule, soluble powder, or soluble tablet: Completely dissolve in cold water or juice and consume after the fizzing stops.
- Extended-release tablet or capsule: Swallow the whole tablet or capsule with water. Do not chew or suck on the tablet or capsule. If you have trouble swallowing, consult your doctor regarding your options.
Health News
More Health News »References
Image Source: aodaodaod / Getty Images
Potassium. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/potassium-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/description/drg-20070753
Potassium. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-potassium#1
Potassium. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/potassium-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/description/drg-20070753
Potassium. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-potassium#1
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Why You Need Potassium and How to Get It
Potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, prunes, oranges, tomatoes, lima beans, and sunflower seeds help your nerves, muscles, and bones. Potassium reduces the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Low potassium (hypokalemia) and high potassium (hyperkalemia) can cause issues.ferrous sulfate
Ferrous sulfate is a synthetic iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Common side effects of ferrous sulfate include dark stools, abdominal pain or discomfort, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation, contact irritation, urine discoloration, and superficial tooth discoloration (oral solutions). Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Do not exceed the recommended dose of ferrous sulfate.
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It turns out lots of things have more potassium than a banana! Here's a guide to the tastiest choices.
High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)
Hyperkalemia is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia symptoms include nausea, fatigue, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness. Hyperkalemia may also cause no symptoms. Hyperkalemia treatment may include a low-potassium diet, medications, and intravenous glucose and insulin. Causes of hyperkalemia include kidney dysfunction, certain medications, adrenal gland diseases, and potassium shifts.
Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
Low potassium or hypokalemia is a decrease in blood potassium levels, which is caused by colon polyps, vomiting, diarrhea, medications, and laxatives. Foods in the diet are how the body absorbs potassium. Symptoms of low potassium in the blood include palpitations, muscle cramps, and muscle aches. Treatment for low potassium is low potassium through diet IV.panax ginseng
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Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound made of sodium and bicarbonate used to increase the alkalinity of the body. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate is also used as an antidote for metabolic acidosis due to toxicity from many drugs. Oral sodium bicarbonate is an antacid used to temporarily relieve symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach. Common side effects of sodium bicarbonate include excessive alkalinity (metabolic alkalosis), high sodium levels in blood (hyponatremia), low potassium levels (hypokalemia), low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), cerebral hemorrhage, increased acid level in the brain tissue (intracranial acidosis), exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF), swelling (edema), and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Calcium is a mineral essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting. Check out the center below for more medical references on vitamins and calcium supplements, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
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What Can Happen if Your Potassium Level Is Too Low?
A low blood potassium level is medically known as hypokalemia. A blood test is sufficient to confirm its diagnosis.
What Does Potassium Do for Your Body?
Your body needs potassium to help your nerves, heart, and muscles function correctly. But high potassium levels can lead to health problems.
What Foods Are the Highest in Potassium?
Potassium is a mineral that controls the amount of fluid inside the cells. Foods highest in potassium include dried fruits, lentils and other legumes, potatoes, spinach, and bananas.