is potassium from a pill as good as from food?

Question

is potassium from a pill as good as potassium from food
if not please explain why yes and why not

how much potassium should I be getting to avoid muscle cramps?

Answer 1

That depends on how much potassium you need. Dietary sources are always preferable, in normal cases. If you need more than you are getting from diet alone, you need the pill, the body doesn't care too much either way if it needs it. Potassium is one of the most important electrolytes in the body, its responsible for proper heart rhythm, smooth muscle contraction, (mainly in the GI tract, watch that constipation) and a few other functions........Bye the way the good ole banana isn't that good a source, try dried apricots, prunes, kiwi and avocados, even tomatoes, and dried peaches are loaded, and there is also salt substitutes that are potassium chloride. Always check with the MD if not sure

Answer 2

Well the honest answer is no. Taking a potassium pill does not work as well because your body doesn't absorb vitamins as well as it absorbs nutrients from food. Eat some bananas on a regular basis for breakfast, for snacks, dehydrate in food dehydrator or buy Banana chips make Banana Sundaes!

You can still take your potassium pill. Just try to do it the natural and more effective way first.

Answer 3

I am a nurse and swear this is the truth.
I discharged a patient to home with directions to take potassium 2 times a day. I handed him a prescription and he got mad and said he would "eat bannanna's" and went into this big old conversation with me about how he prefers to do things natural and all this crap. He left without the prescription for the potassium.
He was re admitted 1 week later, plugged up full of poop because he did not take his potassium which is responsible for parastolsis in the gi tract. It wasnt funny. His potassium level when he arrived was something like 2.6. I asked him where his basket of handy bannannas. His wife apologized and told me he was stubborn.
He spent 2 more days in the hospital and thousands of dollars because he would not take a $10 dollar prescription for potassium.
If your having muscle cramps, go to the doctor and make sure it is a potassium deficiency. It may be something else.

Answer 4

yes but not as good as in the food u eat

Answer 5

Eat a banana instead.