does potassium help muscles to be less soar and fatigued after (or before?) workouts? how does potassium help?
2006-08-30 14:29:06 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Yes it helps and if I remember correctly spinach actually has more potassium than bananas per square inch.
2006-08-30 14:36:46 · answer #1 · answered by That One Guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - the muscles need to potassium (and other minerals) to contract and relax properly. If they do not have enough potassium they will cramp up. So all additional potassium does is to help you avoid or reduce cramping of your muscles.
To avoid soar muscles - the only way is to exercise regularly. soreness in muscles is caused by lactic acid which is a metabolite (a substance which is created by your metabolism when burning sugar and converting it into the energy for the muscle). Unused lactic acid makes them feel soar.
A fatigues muscles is one which may not have enough "food" to burn and convert into energy. In this case you need to eat sugar.
That all together is why athletes like bananas. Rich in potassium, sugar and they taste good.
2006-08-30 14:42:59 · answer #2 · answered by spaceskating_girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a indirect way, I would say yes potassium helps to not be so sore, potassium is a nutrient that is needed for your nerves and your muscles. It is definitely important to have it. It helps your muscles to function better and also prevents your muscles from cramping. Your muscles will be healthier with it. You can go to your search engine and type in potassium and find out alot more info than I'm giving you.....
2006-08-30 15:05:56 · answer #3 · answered by trainer53 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋