Hypertensive individuals over 65 years of age may find particular value in potassium (gluconate), since medications are not always as effective among senior subjects. Administering 2.5 grams/day of potassium over 4 weeks to 18 untreated elderly hypertensive patients resulted in a systolic drop of 12 mmHg and a diastolic reduction of 7 mmHg. (Fotherby, 1992) All entered the study with systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg and diastolic pressure >95 mmHg. The results were impressive considering the brevity of the study and the fact that potassium's value is cumulative, meaning a greater response is seen with longer supplementation.

This mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body's water balance. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. Potassium (gluconate) reduces blood pressure, maintains fluid balance, encourages the parasympathetic nervous system, and increases insulin sensitivity.*

Potassium (gluconate), considered by some of the major electrolytes, is found almost exclusively in the intracellular fluids of the cell. Sodium is found in the extracellular fluids, but it is the equilibrium between potassium and sodium that determines fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. A high potassium-low sodium intake reduces the blood vessel constricting effects of adrenaline, a hormone elicited by the sympathetic nervous system; lower blood pressure results.*

Lack of potassium has been shown to cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, mood changes, or nausea and vomiting. A shortage of potassium can cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia. Symptoms of hypokalemia include weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps, stomach disturbances, an irregular heartbeat, and an abnormal EKG (electrocardiogram). Potassium deficiency will increase acid levels in the body, lowering the natural pH, which will have far-reaching effects. Lack of potassium can also aggravate problems caused by lack of protein. Potassium deficiency can cause problems with the formation of connective tissue and can render normally strong body tissues vulnerable to all kinds of problems. A deficiency of potassium (hypokalemia) can occur in people with chronic disease or as a result of the aging process. The most common problems associated with reduced potassium levels are hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, and fatigue.*

A variety of conditions can cause the loss of potassium from your body. The most common of these conditions are vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. Kidney disease (such as acute renal failure) and diabetes, depending on the stage of either, can also cause fluctuations in the levels of potassium. Additionally, many medications can cause the depletion of potassium. Some examples include diuretics, cortisone, prolonged use of aspirin, and laxatives. The most common symptom of potassium depletion is fatigue. Other symptoms of potassium deficiency include slow reflexes, muscle weakness, and dry skin. A quick loss of potassium could lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Severe potassium deficiency symptoms include decreased heart rate, extreme muscle weakness, bone fragileness, and, if untreated, death. A low level of potassium can be determined with a blood test and can certainly be treated with potassium supplements.*

Studies

Thirty-seven adults, with mildly elevated blood pressure, participated in a study to determine the hypotensive nature of minerals. Potassium (2.5 gram/day), administered for 8 weeks, reduced systolic pressure by an average of 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by about 16 mmHg. The addition of magnesium offered no further advantage. (Patki et al., 1990) The major benefit of potassium, typically, occurs during the third month of usage and continues thereafter.

Hypertensive individuals over 65 years of age may find particular value in potassium (gluconate), since medications are not always as effective among senior subjects. Administering 2.5 grams/day of potassium over 4 weeks to 18 untreated elderly hypertensive patients resulted in a systolic drop of 12 mmHg and a diastolic reduction of 7 mmHg. (Fotherby, 1992) All entered the study with systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg and diastolic pressure >95 mmHg. The results were impressive considering the brevity of the study and the fact that potassium's value is cumulative, meaning a greater response is seen with longer supplementation.

The hypotensive nature of potassium (gluconate) benefited a group of rats made stroke-prone for experimentation. The rats were divided into two groups. Only 2% of the potassium-supplemented group suffered a fatal stroke, compared to 83% of the untreated group. (Staff of Alternative Medical News, 1995)

Most physicians are aware of the importance of reestablishing potassium levels after administering a diuretic drug for hypertension or congestive heart failure. Patients are commonly told to replace potassium by consuming potassium-rich foods, even though retention of potassium from foodstuffs is poor. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that if every milligram of potassium in banana were retained, it would require eating an entire stock of bananas every day to offset the potassium lost during diuretic therapy. (Cuneo et al., 1985)

Several factors influence potassium levels. For example, insulin therapy appears to cause potassium deficiency. (Conversely, a diabetic supplementing with potassium may observe increased insulin secretions and responsiveness, reducing insulin requirements.) Physical exertion (producing heavy perspiration) or diarrhea and vomiting (resulting in loss of body fluids) can cause mineral depletion. Always replace minerals, for if not replaced, heart function can quickly depreciate. Symptoms of potassium deficiency are weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, and heart disturbances.

LifeSource Vitamins Potassium Gluconate - This mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body's water balance.*

Before using Potassium Gluconate:

Some medical conditions may interact with potassium gluconate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have adrenal gland problems, kidney problems, severe burns, diarrhea, or a high acidity of your body fluids (acidosis)
• if you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with potassium gluconate. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

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*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements based on the information on this site.

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