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Question:
How do I know if I am getting enough potassium?
Answer:
Since potassium is essential for the conversion of blood sugar into glycogen--the storage form of blood sugar found in the muscles and liver, a potassium deficiency will usually produce great fatigue and muscle weakness as the first symptoms. A potassium deficiency is also characterized by mental confusion, irritability, and heart disturbances. Dietary potassium deficiency is typically caused by a diet low in fresh fruits and vegetables but high in sodium. Even more common than dietary potassium deficiency is deficiency due to excessive fluid loss (sweating, diarrhea or urination) or the use of diuretics, laxatives, aspirin, and other drugs.
The FDA restricts the amount of potassium available in potassium supplements to a mere 99 mg per dose because of problems associated with high-dosage potassium salts (potassium chloride) that are available by prescription. What is interesting about this position is that so-called salt substitutes such as NoSalt® and Nu-Salt® are in fact potassium chloride and provide 530 mg of potassium per 1/6 teaspoon! The estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake of potassium is 1.9g to 5.6g. Most people can handle any excess of potassium. The exception is people with kidney disease. Individuals with kidney disorders usually need to restrict their potassium intake and follow the dietary recommendations of their physicians.
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Also See:
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