Potassium-Sodium Connection

Potassium and sodium work inversely in the body: the more sodium (a neutral atom) in the body, the less potassium. Conversely, the more potassium, the less sodium.

Sodium (salt) is necessary for normal cell function, too, but we’ve been warned about the negative effects of too much sodium due to its influence on increasing blood pressure and other potentially dangerous consequences.

In the body, potassium (2):

• builds proteins and muscle
• breaks down and consumes carbohydrates
• regulates body growth
• regulates heartbeat
• moderates pH levels
• promotes digestion.

Causes of potassium deficiency may be as simple as not eating enough of the right foods (or eating too many high-salt foods).

Physical conditions that can contribute to low potassium include (3):