Potassium reduces kidney stones and averts osteoporosis

Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. In this article, I explore its importance on our health.

Prevent Osteoporosis
Studies(Lambert et al. 2015; Macdonald et al. 2005) found that a potassium-rich diet could help reduce osteoporosis fighting the depletion of calcium in the body through urine.

Another study by New et al.(2000) using 62 healthy women aged 45–55, found that people who ate the most potassium had the greatest total bone mass.

Another older study by New et al.(1997) using 994 healthy premenopausal women, found that those who ate the most potassium had more bone mass in their lower back and hip bones.

Fight Kidney Stones
One study by Aggarwal et al.(2013) found that Kidney stones are the build-up of material that may form in concentrated urine.

Other studies (Meschi et al. 2014; Han et al. 2015) found that calcium is normally found mineral in kidney stones, and potassium citrate lowers calcium levels in urine. This allows potassium could help fight kidney stones.

An old study by Gary et al.(1993) examined 45,619 men in four years and found that those who ate more potassium daily had a 51% lower risk of kidney stones.

Another study by Curhan et al.(1997) using a 12-year study of 91,731 women, found that those who ate the most potassium daily had a 35% lower risk of kidney stones.

Reduce Water Retention
One old study by Norman et al.(1935) found that potassium is used to treat water retention.

Studies(Gallen et al. 1998; Smith et al. 1992; Treasure J, Ploth D, 1983) found that the more potassium one eats reduces water retention by increasing urine production and reducing sodium levels.

Take Home
Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. Getting between 3,500 milligrams and 4,700 milligrams a day from tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of kidney stones, stroke, and high blood pressure.

NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.

The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist, and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. E. mail: [email protected]. Visit-profnyarkotey.com for more.