Potassium Facts You Did Not Know by Shelby Conques

Potassium supplements have been found to decrease the incidence of strokes by up to 60%. They also help to regulate blood pressure levels and the functioning of the heart. It is beneficial for both those who are experiencing hypertension and those that are looking to keep their blood pressure in check.

As an electrolyte mineral, Potassium helps to maintain the fluid levels in your body. It restores alkaline salts to the bloodstream and neutralizes acids. Metabolic processes and the transferring of nutrients to the cells are assisted by this mineral supplement. It works along with sodium to restore or maintain membrane potentials of the cells, including those at the nerve synapses. This mineral is critical to the nervous and cardiovascular functioning.

The water balance in the body is regulated by potassium. Rheumatic and arthritic conditions are aided when potassium causes the acids to leave the joints. This results in the stiffness being eased and wastes are eliminated. As a natural pain desensitizer, which also helps to control headaches, migraines and convulsions. It promotes healing of injuries such as bruises and cuts. Although there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness thereof, body builders often make use of a potassium load to energize the muscles.

Potassium supplements are almost always found in a compound form, ie potassium attached to other molecules. The human body is not able to sufficiently break down compound minerals. Therefore, the potassium that is used is a small percentage of what is consumed. This applies to many of the capsules, pills and powders on the market, which have an absorption rate of between twenty to forty-five percent. Liquid ionic mineral supplements, on the contrary, have an absorption rate of close to one hundred percent. In order to be utilized, the elemental form, or free ionic form of Potassium is required. The molecules have to be small enough to be absorbed into each cell. Potassium must therefore be water soluble, which means that that it cannot build up within the body. This ensures that the mineral will not reach levels of toxicity.

The body requires approximately 3,500 mg of Potassium daily. Good sources include apricots, dried dates, orange juice and bananas.

Most multivitamins contain only 99 mg of potassium in a compound form. Compounds (pills and powders) contain potassium that is bound up or attached to other molecules lowering their absorption rate. Ionic minerals on the other hand are more easily absorbed, as the minerals bond with the molecules. Therefore, water-soluble, ionic minerals are more the best choice for supplementation.

Plants take minerals from the ground. The human body is unable to use minerals in this form, but the plants are able to transform them into ionic minerals, which are more easily absorbed into the cells. It is not possible to create particles as small as these by any machine or other means are. A very technical process is applied to extracting the minerals, resulting in a simple water-soluble Potassium supplement.

Potassium is recommended for use during emotionally stressful periods and at the change of seasons. It increases performance in humans as well as in plants and animals. It also improves the bioavailability of nutrients that are consumed. Along with the detoxification benefits and the increase in energy, it also balances the pH (acidity) levels in the body.

Most people do not realize the importance of minerals. The body requires in excess of eighty minerals for optimum nutrition. Each cell is dependent on minerals for electrical conductivity, structure and proper functioning. Liquid ionic minerals are more beneficial than colloidal and other compound forms of minerals, as the cells more easily absorb them. These minerals are not readily available from the average diet, hence the requirement for a good quality Potassium supplements.