Potassium Supplements And Heart Disease
Is there an ideal time to take your potassium supplement? The routine that is best for you is dependent on the the strength of supplement you have been prescribed, as how much you take and how often you take it varies greatly. Much of the time, however, potassium supplements are often taken 2 to 4 times a day, and often with food. Your preferred druggist can help you if you should have any question or trouble creep up regarding your supplements.
Why should somebody supplement Potassium? Potassium is a key component to maintaining a healthy nerve network, heart, kidney function, muscles and the digestive system. While certain foods naturally will adequately provide the potassium levels most men and women need, there are select persons who need more than what can be found through eating food. A potassium supplement is necessary for those who have either temporary or permanent depletion that rid their body of potassium, such as: being dehydrated, having vomited while sick, diarrhea, inflicted with kidney disease or gastrointestinal disease and from having fluids sweated out from your pores (heat stroke, sweat, dehydration, diarrhea, etc.), from vomiting (the twenty-four hour hour flu, bulimia, as a side effect to another condition), or because of having a disease, like kidney disease, etc. Potassium supplements can be prescribed to replenish, replace or prevent or retard or prohibit potassium deficiency.
How should you best take a potassium supplement? Always carefully read your prescription bottles for specific to that supplement, instructions. Whether a tablet or a capsule it should be taken in original form; breaking should be avoided, if at all possible. That will not be possible for every one. Some people who have trouble swallowing capsules may have difficulty doing otherwise, that is alright. Do what you must do to safely swallow your supplements. If your supplement is in liquid, granule, effervescent tablet or powder make sure you mix your potassium in water, before drinking. Mixing with cold water can help in covering up less than ideal flavor, or adding your favorite fruit juice to your glass can help make your potassium much easier on your tongue. Whichever form your potassium supplement comes in, taking them with a full glass of water or a combination with juice is recommended.
A healthy pumping heart without potassium is like maneuvering your car without motor oil. Indeed, it might run for a little while, but the results can be fatal. Eating potassium rich foods might make sense to those who are deficient of potassium in their vitamin regimen, but it is not that easy, as you will soon see.
Published June 1st, 2007
Filed in Family
