INFORMATION ON POTASSIUM BICARBONATE
Potassium bicarbonate is a colourless, odourless, base (forms a salt when exposed to an acid) and is slightly salty.
Potassium is a mineral that is found in most food, and is critical for many functions of the body (cells, kidneys, bones, nerves and digestion), but as an electrolyte, particularly important in regulating heartbeat.
It is used to prevent or to treat hypokalemia or a potassium deficiency. Symptoms of hypokalemia can include: high blood pressure, an abnormal heart rhythm, muscle weakness, myalgia, tremor, muscle cramps and constipation. Because potassium affects heartbeat, supplementation should always be done under medical supervision.
A number of studies have shown that a diet rich in potassium, can play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Evidence indicated that potassium supplementation, can lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Studies have also found that a low potassium level in the body is a critical risk factor in both haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes.
It is purported that Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) sufferers may have potassium deficiencies.
Bicarbonate is naturally secreted in the stomach, and is vital for digestion, as well as playing a major role in the acid-base balances in the human body.
The most important effect of bicarbonate supplement ingestion, is the change that takes place in acid-base balance in the stomach, as well as blood pH and bicarbonate concentration in biological fluids. This can help buffer lactic acid produced during exercise, help prevent renal stones , combat fatigue in physically active people and protect tissues of the central nervous system, where a drastic pH change could cause damage.
How it works:
In improving bone health and ameliorating the risk of renal stones, potassium bicarbonate has been shown to potently reduce urine calcium excretion in adults.
It is posited, that the neuroprotective role that potassium bicarbonate plays in strokes, is by reducing general tissue acidosis, which in turn reduces the activation of acid-sensing ion channels.
It is thought that potassium lowers blood pressure because it is vasoactive, and that when infused into the arterial supply, blood flow increases.
POPULAR USE & PUBLISHED BENEFITS bbbb
- Treats hypokalemia (potassium deficiency)
- Reduce risk for heart attacks, strokes and arrhythmias
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves bone health
- Renal stones
- Nutrient absorption
- pH buffer for body tissue
- Digestion / GIT health (IBD)
WHOLE FOODS
- Squash, potatoes, spinach, lentils, broccoli, brussels sprouts, zucchini, kidney or navy beans
- Raisins, watermelon, orange juice, bananas
- Cantaloupe, milk, yogurt
RECOMMENDED USE
- Range: 1 -5g daily
- Popular use: 2g daily
- One to four times daily
- Should be taken with food