What Does Potassium Do?

The Potassium Magnesium Dance

An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates in solution into charged particles called ions making the solution (i.e., the blood) capable of conducting electricity. Think of the way we measure the electrical conductivity of the heart with an EKG and the brain with and EEG. Normal body function depends on tight regulation of potassium concentrations both inside and outside of cells.

Potassium deficiency leads to muscle cramps and arrhythmias, as does magnesium deficiency, but to a lesser extent. These two minerals are joined at the hip; it’s impossible to overcome potassium deficiency without first replacing magnesium, and low potassium levels can increase urinary magnesium loss.

Also, magnesium is the prime driver of the sodium-potassium pump that is active in all the cells of our body and keeps these minerals in balance.