Potassium is an electrolyte that helps keep our bodies hydrated on a cellular level. You know how you get parched after a run on the treadmill? The same thing happens to your body’s cells. And just like that chug from our water bottle feels so good and nourishing after a long run, potassium can help do that for your cells.

Potassium is needed for our basic movement, reflexes, and even for our heartbeat (1). Potassium plays a role in the communication between our body and our brain. Even though it’s hugely important, most people don’t get enough (2). Potassium is available in lots of common foods, like bananas, sweet potatoes, and avocados. Our bodies need a lot of potassium.

Helps maintain fluid balance in our bodies

About 60 percent of our body weight is water (3). Inside and outside of our body’s cells, there is a special type of fluid that remains in balance when our body is healthy, thanks to electrolytes, like potassium. When these fluids fall out of balance, the cells can get damaged (4). Maintaining potassium (and sodium) levels in our bodies helps our cells stay in balance. If the fluid balance is off, we can become dehydrated, which puts strain on our heart and kidneys (5).

Necessary for muscle movement and more

Our nervous system relies on an electrical system to transfer messages between our brain and body. Charged ions of potassium help cells transfer messages, which can result in your muscles moving a certain way or your heart beating to a particular rhythm. Both too much or too little potassium can have negative consequences for several systems in our body. So, it’s important for our heart health and general communication within our body to maintain adequate potassium levels.

Many people don’t get as much potassium as they should

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of potassium is different for men and women. Adult men should get 3,400 mg (milligrams), while women should get 2,600 mg. In Future Proof we include 150 milligrams.

Too much potassium can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. In extremely high doses, it can damage your kidneys.

Disclaimer: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you take any type of supplement. And if you experience any negative side effects when you are taking one, contact a healthcare expert immediately.

References

1. Sodium and potassium intakes among US adults: NHANES 2003-2008 - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. Sodium and potassium intakes among US adults: NHANES 2003-2008 - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. The impact of water intake on energy intake and weight status: a systematic review - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
4. Physiology of fluid balance - Retrieved from Science Direct
5. Physiology of fluid balance - Retrieved from Science Direct