By Kelli Michelle, M.S Nutrition Science, Clinical Nutritionist, CPT, SNS, FNS, CNS
Solves StripsⓇ Resident Fitness & Nutrition Authority
How does the body use potassium?
Potassium is the primary electrolyte located inside the body’s cells (intracellular) and stored in muscle fibers along with glycogen. Like all electrolytes in our #30SaltyDays series, potassium has a variety of roles in the body:
Blood pressure: For the past 20 years, scientists have found that people with high blood pressure who don’t want to lower their salt intake can simply consume more potassium-containing foods (such as bananas, potatoes or berries). Why? Because the balance of the two minerals is what matters. In fact, Dutch researchers determined that a low potassium intake has the same impact on your blood pressure as high sodium consumption. Additionally, a 1997 study by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that volunteers who consumed 4,700 mg of potassium per day through a well-balanced diet that included lots of fruits and vegetables reduced their blood pressure in just two weeks. This study ultimately became the foundation for today’s DASH diet.
Muscle contraction: As we discussed in last week’s blog post, sodium and potassium ions operate through what’s called the “sodium-potassium pump.” Potassium passes through cell walls much more easily than sodium and naturally builds up inside cells. Sodium, on the other hand, is primarily stored outside the cell wall in the extracellular fluid (plasma). Recall from your undergrad biology class that nerves relay information through electric signals. Thus, the different concentrations of sodium and potassium inside and outside of the cells build up slight electric charges, which help your nerves send information and manage muscle contractions. This is one reason low electrolytes are sometimes thought to cause muscle cramps.
Fluid/nutrient regulation: This same sodium-potassium pump also contributes to fluid regulation. In nature, things naturally move from an area of high concentration to low concentration, and the imbalance of sodium and potassium causes these two ions to move in and out of cells, based on water content. As potassium ions transverse the cell walls, sugars, waste products, and nutrients pass with them, meaning potassium is also essential for transporting energy throughout the body.
Enzyme production: Potassium is also necessary for certain enzyme production, including adenosine triphosphate (or ATP, the prime source of energy for cells) and pyruvate kinase, an important enzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Should endurance athletes care about potassium?
Absolutely! It is nearly impossible to find a local race without trays of oranges and bananas. In addition to being great sources of simple sugars, these fruits are full of potassium. Some exercise physiologists theorize that the sodium-potassium pump may contribute to exercise-induced fatigue. Recall from above that the body naturally stores potassium inside cells and sodium outside in the extracellular fluid (plasma). However, studies of marathon runners (1970, Journal of Applied Physiology) have found that long exercise results in greater amounts of potassium outside the cells, which can contribute to cramping, bloating and general fatigue. The balance of sodium and potassium usually returns to normal about an hour after exercise in healthy adults.
Here are some awesome POTASSIUM rich foods that you can have post training or incorporate into your nutrition routine. Even if you do not track macros you can have these with a protein post training for macro and micro intake.
The following foods can all help increase your potassium intake, and they all contain more than 200mg of potassium per serving:
- 1 medium banana (425 mg)
- ½ of a papaya (390 mg)
- ½ cup of prune juice (370 mg)
- ¼ cup of raisins (270 mg)
- 1 medium mango (325 mg) or kiwi (240 mg)
- 1 small orange (240 mg) or ½ cup of orange juice (235 mg)
- ½ cup of cubed cantaloupe (215 mg) or diced honeydew melon (200 mg)
- 1 medium pear (200 mg)
You can also compliment with potassium-rich drinks such as coconut water or potassium supplements like Solves Strips Electrolytes.
To Your Health,
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