What is Potassium Citrate, & why does it matter?
How is it used in both keto and vegan diets?
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In this post, I summarize the key points of my recent article titled Well-Researched Benefits of Potassium Citrate in Vegan & Keto Diets for Multiple Conditions.
Potassium citrate is a compound that combines potassium and citric acid, a key component in cellular energy production through the citric acid cycle. When potassium citrate is formed, it plays a pivotal role in regulating the body’s acid-base balance, primarily by increasing urinary pH.
Potassium citrate can prevent kidney stones and acidosis and manage specific kidney conditions. It is generally safe in low doses but not recommended for patients with some health issues like infections or bleeding. While it can cause mild side effects like temporary alkalosis, it can reduce urine calcium and increase calcium phosphate excretion.
Statspearl informs that potassium citrate replacement may be necessary for patients with hypokalemia, nephrolithiasis, or nephrocalcinosis. Underlying conditions should be sought and treated. Most of the bicarbonate is absorbed in the proximal tubule, so distal RTA is relatively easy to correct.
How is it used in both keto and vegan diets?
Potassium citrate is a valuable tool in keto and vegan diets and personalized approaches to nutrition and supplementation to optimize health outcomes. It regulates acid-base balance, supports electrolyte equilibrium, and promotes overall health and well-being.
In keto and vegan diets, there can be shifts in the body’s acid-base balance due to changes in acidic nutrient intake. Keto diets, high in fat and protein, may increase acid production, while vegan diets, rich in plant-based foods, may increase acidic compounds.
Potassium citrate supplementation helps counteract these effects by alkalinizing the urine, reducing the risk of kidney stones, and maintaining better kidney health. Potassium citrate offers several benefits for people following keto or vegan diets.
Firstly, it helps prevent kidney stones, a common risk due to changes in urinary pH and mineral excretion. Secondly, it supports electrolyte balance, essential for overall bodily function, particularly during dietary restrictions or metabolic changes. Additionally, it maintains pH balance, crucial for bone health, urinary tract function, and metabolic processes.
For keto dieters, it neutralizes increased urinary acidity from high protein and fat intake, while for vegans, it offsets the acid load from plant-based foods. Moreover, for plant-based diets it aids in managing oxalate levels, reducing the risk of kidney stone formation by binding with calcium and alkalizing urine.
How Much Do You Need?
I only use 99 mg as potassium supplements in high doses are very dangerous and not recommended by health experts. After using it for over 40 years, I have never had a side or adverse effects but gained many benefits both in a vegan and ketogenic diet, relieving associated symptoms and preventing undesirable health consequences.
Due to the challenges associated with accessibility and cost in Australia, where I live, I have found it necessary to procure potassium citrate from reputable online vendors based in the United States.
While I refrain from endorsing specific suppliers, my experiences with various manufacturers have yielded satisfactory results. For those seeking reliable sources, I recommend exploring online health stores in the US, where competitive pricing and quality products are often available. I usually purchase it for $6 from the US, and the cheapest in Australia is $39.25.
Details of the Article
You can read the details of this story on Medium or NewsBreak for free. Here are the links.
Medium Version: Well-Researched Benefits of Potassium Citrate in Vegan & Keto Diets for Multiple Conditions
NewsBreak Version: Well-Researched Benefits of Potassium Citrate in Both Vegan & Keto Diets
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