Potassium is a mineral, not a vitamin, but it is often combined with other minerals in supplements to address health concerns. A deficiency in potassium can lead to various health problems, but it can be replenished through a balanced diet and avoiding certain foods and situations that deplete potassium levels.
Potassium vitamins are vitamin supplements that include the mineral potassium as part of the supplement formula. The choice of other minerals to combine with potassium will vary, depending on the types of health concerns the supplement is formulated to address. For example, the minerals potassium can be combined with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C to provide long-term stress relief.
In the strictest sense, there are no potassium vitamins. Potassium is a mineral rather than a vitamin. While many people believe that vitamin K and potassium are the same, that is not the case. Potassium appears as “K” on the periodic table, which is probably the cause of the confusion. Vitamin K is actually phylloquinone and it helps your blood to clot properly as well as relieve gallstone pain. Potassium, by contrast, is useful with a number of ailments, such as helping diabetics convert glycogen to glucose or bringing a calming sensation to jittery nerves. However, references to potassium vitamins are found in nutritional books and in many advertisements for various combination vitamin and mineral supplements.
Like any mineral or vitamin deficiency, developing a potassium deficiency can prevent the body and mind from functioning at optimal efficiency. When there are not enough potassium vitamins in the system, the heartbeat can become erratic, the arteries can harden, and the individual can begin to develop high blood pressure. The nervous system is also weakened when there are not enough potassium vitamins in the body; the individual may have trouble concentrating on tasks and may become more easily irritated. In severe cases, an anxiety disorder may develop or the person may experience a seizure.
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to increase the level of potassium vitamins in the body through the use of a balanced diet. Including baked potatoes and bananas are great ways to add this mineral back to the body. Vegetables like broccoli and kale are also excellent sources of potassium. A dressing that is made from potato peels can also help calm jangled nerves.
Another way to protect the level of potassium vitamins in the body is to limit or eliminate foods and situations that tend to deplete potassium levels. Prolonged stress can seriously deplete the body’s supply of potassium. Limiting or avoiding alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, table salt, and processed sugar will also make it easier for the body to maintain a healthy level of potassium vitamins in the system.
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