Potassium?

j_wilson2012
j_wilson2012 Posts: 293
in Food and Nutrition
Through changing my diet, I have discovered that I am seeing "potassium" content a lot more. Potatoes, Cereals, Veggies....I figured I was starting to get a lot of it, so I better find out what it does! I did not realize it was so important. I went on a few websites, including LiveStrong, and figured out it is vital for regulating salt and proteins. I will be sure to keep track of it from now on. What potassium level is best when trying to lose weight as well as trying to build muscle mass? As in, How much should I take in? I am 5'8", 215ish, no health problems.

Replies

  • katymae
    katymae Posts: 8
    If you are in good general health, eating at least a somewhat healthy diet, and not taking certain medications (lasix, coumadin, other diuretics, etc), potassium content is not something you need to pay too much attention to. Unless you have a health problem (kidney disease for example), your body regulates potassium levels on its own. You said you are in good health, so don't stress about it :)
  • trinitrate
    trinitrate Posts: 219 Member
    If you are playing with your diet too much and start having things like nervous system issues or heart flutters / palpatations that can be an indication of potassium and / or magnesium being too low... If you have no symptoms, nothing really to worry about. Potassium is in almost everything.

    Also - many people can't take much of a potassium supplement... even though RDA I think is around 1500 - 3500 a day, the supplements are only allowed to be up to 100mg.
  • cyberskirt
    cyberskirt Posts: 218
    The Canadian Government recently updated the minimum potassium someone should intake per day as 4500 mg.

    Personally, I think it's extremely important and am trying to get as much as possible.
  • Ayla70
    Ayla70 Posts: 284 Member
    We should get around the 4.7g a day, but taking TOO much potassium is extremely harmful and can lead to heart attack. I posted an article on Potassium just the other day on here :)
  • zgochenour
    zgochenour Posts: 67 Member
    One good way I've found to take in potassium is to use light salt, which is 50% sodium and 50% potassium. Definitely helps keep a favorable electrolyte ratio. There's also NoSalt, which is completely potassium, but it tastes truly wretched.

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