Should someone supplement Potassium? Potassium can be an essential ingredient to maintaining a healthy heart, muscle function, kidneys, nerves, and the digestive system. While certain diets naturally will adequately provide the potassium levels most men and women need, there are indeed select people who must have more than what can be collected through conventional meals. Potassium supplements are necessary for those who have either temporary or permanent ailments that empty their body of potassium, included, but not limited to: vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, diuretic use, kidney disease, and GI disease (gastrointestinal disease) and from having fluids drained from your body (heat stroke, sweat, dehydration, diarrhea, etc.), from vomiting (the twenty-four hour hour flu, self-induced bulimia, as a side effect to another condition), or because of having a disease, like kidney disease, etc. Potassium supplements are specifically made to to replace or thwart potassium deficiency.

At what time should you take your potassium supplements? The timing of your potassium supplements is depends on the specific supplement you are currently taking, as the dosages and how often it is taken varies greatly. That said, however, potassium supplements often are prescribed 2 - 4 times each day, and most of the time with food. Your local pharmacist can help you if you should have any question or concern regarding your supplements.

How should you best take potassium supplements? You should always read the label of your prescription bottles for specific to that supplement, instructions. Whether a tablet or a capsule it should be taken in original form; avoid breaking, if at all possible. Of course, that won't be possible for everybody. Individuals who experience difficulty swallowing tablets may have an added hurdle, that is alright. Do what you must do to safely swallow your supplements. If your potassium is in the form of a powder, liquid, granule, or fizzing tablet be certain to completely mix your potassium in water, before drinking. Drinking in cold water can aid in masking bad taste, or including your favorite fruit juice to your glass helps make your potassium much easier on your tongue. Whatever form your potassium supplement is in, taking your dosage with a full glass of water or a combination with juice is what is most recommended.