POTASSIUM BICARBONATE

Potassium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline, slightly alkaline and salty substance. It is produced by the passage of carbon dioxide through an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. It is used in medicine as an antacid. Potassium hydrogencarbonate is a potassium salt that is the monopotassium salt of carbonic acid. It has fungicidal properties and is used in organic farming for the control of powdery mildew and apple scab. It has a role as a food acidity regulator, a raising agent, a buffer and an antifungal agrochemical. It is a potassium salt and an organic salt. It contains a hydrogencarbonate. (1)

Potassium is an important nutrient and electrolyte. This mineral is classified as an electrolyte because it’s highly reactive in water. When dissolved in water, it produces positively charged ions. This special property allows it to conduct electricity, which is important for many processes throughout the body.

Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body. It helps the body regulate fluid, send nerve signals and regulate muscle contractions. Roughly 98% of the potassium in your body is found in your cells. Of this, 80% is found in your muscle cells, while the other 20% can be found in your bones, liver and red blood cells (8)

Potassium is present in all body tissues and is required for normal cell function because of its role in maintaining intracellular fluid volume and transmembrane electrochemical gradients. Potassium has a strong relationship with sodium, the main regulator of extracellular fluid volume, including plasma volume. In addition to maintaining cellular tonicity, this gradient is required for proper nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and kidney function. (9)

A chemical element, atomic number 19, atomic weight 39.102. In combination with other minerals in the body, potassium forms alkaline salts that are important in body processes. All body cells, especially muscle tissue, require a high content of potassium and that is why we get muscle cramps when we are low in potassium.

Potassium is necessary for cardiovascular health, strong bones, and muscle function. It supports the ability of muscles to contract. This makes it important for maintaining a strong, regular heartbeat, and for digestive health. Potassium can also help counter the negative effects of a diet that is too acidic. In a study in 62 healthy women aged 45–55, scientists found that people who ate the most potassium had the greatest total bone mass. (10)

Improves heart health
One study suggested that adding potassium bicarbonate to your diet reduces blood pressure and benefits cardiovascular health in people who are already on a high-potassium, low-salt diet. Study participants taking potassium bicarbonate showed significant improvement in several areas, including endothelial function. The endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels) is important for blood flow, to and from the heart. Potassium may also help lower the risk of stroke. (2)

A randomized double-blind trial published in the January 2010 issue of the journal “Hypertension" studied the effects of potassium supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors, endothelial function and bone turnover in people with mild hypertension. In the study, participants who took potassium bicarbonate for 12 weeks achieved a significant decrease in stiffness of large elastic arteries, improvement in left ventricular diastolic function and endothelial function, and reduction in left ventricular mass. A study that appeared in "Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology" in February 2013 revealed that an increase of left ventricular mass is linked to higher risk of sudden cardiac death. The results of the trial also showed that potassium bicarbonate may exhibit beneficial effects on bone health.(5,6)

“High quality evidence shows that increased potassium intake reduces blood pressure in people with hypertension and has no adverse effect on blood lipid concentrations, catecholamine concentrations, or renal function in adults. Higher potassium intake was associated with a 24% lower risk of stroke (moderate quality evidence). These results suggest that increased potassium intake is potentially beneficial to most people without impaired renal handling of potassium for the prevention and control of elevated blood pressure and stroke.” (7)

BENEFITS
It Helps Regulate Fluid Balance
Potassium Is Important for the Nervous System to maintain healthy nerve function
Potassium Helps Regulate Muscle and Heart Contractions
May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
May Help Protect Against Strokes
May Help Prevent Osteoporosis
May Help Prevent Kidney Stones
May Reduce Water Retention