Your Potassium Supplements And Your Healthy Heart
Why should someone supplement Potassium? Potassium is a vital component to maintaining a healthy heart, muscle function, kidneys, nerves, and the digestive system. While certain foods naturally will provide the potassium levels most men and women need, there are select individuals who need much more than what can be attained from the typical diet. Potassium supplements are needed for those who have either temporary or permanent ailments that empty their body of potassium, such as: being dehydrated, having vomited while sick, diarrhea, inflicted with kidney disease or gastrointestinal disease and from having fluids drained from your body (heat stroke, sweat, dehydration, diarrhea, etc.), from vomiting (the twenty-four hour hour flu, bulimia, as a side effect to another ailment), or because of having a disease, like digestive diseases, etc. Potassium supplements are specifically made to to renew or prevent potassium deficiencies.
When should supplemental potassium be taken? That depends on the kind of potassium you are supplementing, as the quantity consumed and how often it is taken varies greatly. Much of the time, however, potassium supplements are often taken 2 to 4 times a day, and most of the time with food. Your local doctor can help you if you have any question or trouble creep up in relation to your supplements.
How should one best take a potassium supplement? Always read the label of your prescription bottles for specific to that supplement, instructions. Both tablets and capsules should be taken in original form; chewing your supplements should ideally be avoided, if possible. Of course, that won't be an option for every one. Some people who have difficulty swallowing capsules may have an added hurdle, that is alright. Do what you normally would do. If your potassium supplement is in the form of a powder, liquid, granule, or fizzing tablet make sure you completely mix your potassium in water, before you drink it. Using cold water can help in masking less than ideal flavor, or including your favorite fruit juice can help make your potassium much easier on your tongue. Whatever form your potassium supplement comes in, taking your dosage with eight fluid ounces of water or a combination with juice is recommended.
A healthy heart without potassium is like operating your car without motor oil. Indeed, it might run for a moment or two without any signs of a problem, but the results can be fatal. Eating potassium rich foods may make sense to those who are void of potassium in their routine, but it is not that easy, as you'll soon see.
- Janet Quaren
