Potassium helps to regulate water balance in the body, and the distribution of fluids on both sides of the cell walls. It is an electrolyte needed to maintain fluid balance, normal heartbeat, and nerve transmission. Potassium is absorbed through the intestines and is stored in the cells and kidney's. It is necessary for adrenal glands. Potassium is important for proper muscle contractions, normal blood pressure, growth, nerve impulses, healthy skin, cell metabolism, and enzyme reactions.
Potassium increases the metabolism.
Helpful in stroke prevention. Antidepressant, antihypertensive, antispasmodic. Deficiency can occur with excessive fluid loss from sweating, diuretic medications, diarrhea. Hyperkalemia, excessive potassium in the blood. Black stool, bloody stool, difficulty breathing, confusion, diarrhea, fatigue, heavy legs, arrhythmia, nausea, numb extremities, upset stomach, tingling extremities, vomiting, weakness.