Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Certain diseases (e.g., kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease with vomiting and diarrhea) and diuretics ('water pills'), remove potassium. Potassium plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive and muscular function. Bone Health Studies show a positive link between a diet rich in potassium and bone health, particularly among elderly women, suggesting that increasing potassium may play a role in osteoporosis prevention. Hypokalemia Potassium is used to treat hypokalemia (low potassium), which include weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps, an irregular heartbeat, and an abnormal EKG (electrocardiogram, a test that measures heart function). Hypokalemia is usually caused by the body losing too much potassium in the urine or intestines; it's rarely caused by a lack of potassium in the diet. High Blood Pressure Some studies have linked low levels of potassium in the diet with high blood pressure. And there is some evidence that potassium supplements might cause a slight drop in blood pressure. Other studies show that increasing potassium intake reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Researchers suspect this is largely due to potassium's blood pressure lowering effects. Stroke People who get a lot of potassium in their diet have a lower risk of stroke. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) People with IBD (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) often have trouble absorbing nutrients from their intestine, and may have low levels of potassium. If you have IBD, your doctor may check your potassium levels and recommend a supplement. Potassium is usually taken with or immediately after meals. Take potassium with a full glass of water or fruit juice.
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