A Guide to the Best Potassium Supplements

Let’s talk about potassium supplements. Did you know potassium is one of the seven essential macrominerals needed for survival? Here is a handy guide on the importance of potassium, and tips on choosing the best natural potassium supplement for you.

The Benefits of Potassium

Potassium has many vital functions in the body, which include the following:

• Decreases the risk of stroke
• Lowers blood pressure
• Regulate the balance of fluids in the body
• Monitors the electrical activity of various muscles in the body (including the heart)
• Preserves bone density
• Reduces kidney stone formation

A recent study found a correlation between high sodium intake and “high sodium-to-potassium ratio predicted high systolic blood pressure.” Researchers concluded that in order to improve blood pressure, there needs to be a focus on reducing sodium intake and increasing sources of potassium in weight loss programs.¹

Should I Take a Potassium Supplement?

A potassium deficiency can lead to the following health issues:

• Weakness
• Constipation
• Fatigue

Severe potassium deficiency can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis, and painful obstructions in the gut.

Studies indicate increased potassium intake can be quite beneficial:

A Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found a positive correlation between potassium intake and bone marrow density in men over age 50 and postmenopausal women.²

It’s critical we get adequate amounts of potassium daily. Even though the body can survive on just 100 milligrams of potassium, the average adult needs 4,700 milligrams per day for optimum health. Unfortunately, it is estimated that very few people in the U.S. are meeting these requirements. 

In addition to taking potassium supplements, we should attempt to get our potassium from healthy food sources as well. The following nutritious foods are high in potassium:

While these high potassium foods are healthy, not all foods rich in potassium are good for us. The following foods have potassium, but should only be eaten sparingly or avoided altogether:

• Creamed soups
• French fries
• Ice cream
• Potato chips
• Chocolate

Best Potassium Supplements

In addition to the foods we eat, a good potassium supplement is an excellent way to get the potassium our bodies desperately need for good health. However, the sheer number of products available to choose from can be confusing or even intimidating for some.

To help narrow the search, we have compiled a list of the best over the counter potassium supplements, and why we feel these products are superior to others on the market. 

Systemic Formulas Potassium Stabilizer

Systemic Formulas Potassium Stabilizer is a plant-based source of potassium, making it ideal for vegans. Its list of natural ingredients includes kelp, chamomile and maracuja. 

In addition to regulating sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels in the body, it offers the following health benefits: 

• Supports the heart, brain, nerves, hair and skin
• Excellent supplement for weight loss programs
• Keeps water and electrolyte levels balanced and regulated

Capsules can be taken daily once a day for 10 consecutive days as directed by a health professional, or as needed to maintain good health.

BodyBio #1 - Potassium

Thanks to the fertilizers and various pesticides used for farming, essential minerals and nutrients are being depleted from the soil at an alarming rate.  As a result, many of us think we are eating healthy, but in actuality, we aren’t getting all the nutrients our bodies need.

Another problem we encounter today is the increasing amount of unhealthy minerals in our environment. For example:

Higher levels of lead have been found in drinking water, mercury has been found in fish, and cadmium can be prevalent in contaminated soils as well as in cigarette smoke.

A person can be exposed to these and other harmful toxins and not realize it.

For example, according to the EPA, drinking water contaminated with lead could contribute to 20% or more of a person’s lead exposure. Infants can receive 40% to 60% of their lead exposure from mixed formula that has been mixed with drinking water.³

While the situation sounds dire, all is not lost: “bad” minerals can be replaced in the body by “good” minerals, provided they have the same ionic value (can be dissolved in water). Minerals can also be consumed in liquid form, where they are readily absorbed in the body faster than comparable powder or pill varieties. 

As a result, the body receives vital minerals while undergoing a detox at the same time, making it the perfect win-win scenario. 

BodyBio #1 - Potassium comes in liquid form, making it an ideal choice for those concerned with many of the harmful minerals prevalent in today’s society.

Other features of BodyBio #1 – Potassium include the following:

• Vitamin C added to increase mineral bio-availability
• No known side effects
• Can be taken on an empty stomach
• Dosages are suitable for all ages Note: consult with physician if children are taking additional medications or supplements)

Just 13 drops per day is all that’s needed to reap these amazing benefits.

Butyrate (Sodium Potassium) 

Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid that keeps the liver and gallbladder healthy. It is made in the lower colon, and when combined with calcium and magnesium, helps to rid the body of ammonia and harmful neurotoxins.

It also lowers the inflammatory immune markers (cytokines), cleans the   bowels and removes bad fats.

Those on antibiotics take note: a common side effect of these medicines is they decrease the amount of good bacteria in our colons, which could lead to a reduction in the amount of Butyrate.

Taking Butyrate is an excellent way to maintain healthy levels of good bacteria in the gut, thus keeping it healthy and functioning properly.

Butyrate comes in liquid form and can be taken with each meal. It can also be taken on an empty stomach, and has no known side effects.

The purity of this product has also been guaranteed by laboratory analysis, making it one of the best potassium supplements to take.

You Are What You Eat?

As many of us become more health conscious and mindful of the foods we eat, we must remember one important thing: the foods we consume may not be as healthy as we think. Countless studies have noted the decline of the nutritional value of fruits and veggies over the years. For example, a study in the American Society for Horticultural Science found that three billion people worldwide are “malnourished in nutrient elements and vitamins.”⁴

Some of this is due to foods losing their nutritional value.

Over time, these nutritional deficiencies could have a negative impact on a person’s health, prompting them to seek relief via an over the counter drug, while others might go to their doctor for a prescription.  In both instances, chances are they are only treating the symptom, not getting to the root cause of the issue, which is a mineral deficiency.

For example, few people would associate fatigue or constipation with a potassium deficiency, but the probability exists. Instead, they focus on feeling better, never taking the necessary steps to eliminate the actual problem, which in some cases, means taking potassium supplements.

This is why supplements are so important in today’s society.

We may have the best intentions on living a healthy life, but things out of our control may be preventing us from becoming the best we can be. It’s critical we do everything we can to maintain good health, and that includes taking potassium supplements.

¹Ndanuko RN, Tapsell LC, Charlton KE, (et. al). Relationship Between Sodium And Potassium Intake And Blood Pressure In A Sample Of Overweight Adults. Nutrition. Published 2017 Jan;33:285-290. [doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.07.011.] Epub 2016 Jul 27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27712964

²Kong SH, Kim JH, Hong AR (et al.) Dietary Potassium Intake Is Beneficial To Bone Health In A Low Calcium Intake Population: The Korean National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2008-2011). Osteoporos Int. Published 2017 May; 28(5):1577-1585. [doi: 10.1007/s00198-017-3908-4.] Epub 2017 Jan 16. PMID: 28093633. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28093633

³Information about Lead in Drinking Waterhttps://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2508/

⁴Donald R. Davis. Declining Fruit and Vegetable Nutrient Composition: What Is the Evidence? Hortscience. Published February 2009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.44.1.15 https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/44/1/article-p15.xml

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.