Is Potassium Chloride Bad For You?
Short answer
Potassium Chloride or KCL is a medicinal mineral replacement that helps to offset low potassium (hypokalemia) in the bloodstream. As with any drug you can have an allergic reaction to KCL and can experience significant GI side effects. Too much potassium in the bloodstream can lead to severe adverse effects-even death.
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A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Potassium Chloride (KCL) comes in many forms and helps to replace low potassium levels in the bloodstream. Potassium is a major mineral that is vital to almost every cellular function. Some popular oral brands of KCl include: K-Dur, KLor Con, K-Tab, Klorvess, K-Lyte CL and MicroK. KCL can also be administered intravenously in a monitored setting – such as the hospital or urgent care.
Potassium is important for nerve conduction, stable cardiac function, fluid and electrolyte balance, adequate muscle contraction and proper renal function. Potassium helps to support healthy brain function, decreases the risk of stroke and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Potassium supports healthy bones, decreases the incidence of muscle cramps and assists in healthy weight and decreased cellulite accumulation. Potassium levels can fall if our kidneys or GI tract eliminate more than we normally ingest. Some wonderful foods high in potassium include:
-Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
-Brussels Sprouts
-Beets
-Avocado
-Lima Beans
-Winter Squash
-Prunes
-Coconut Water
-Tomatoes
-Bananas
-Oranges and Kiwis
Health care professionals prescribe KCL when potassium levels are predisposed to falling (if you are taking certain diuretics) or if you have suffered a major potassium loss due to GI or renal illness. Certain adrenal disorders can also predispose to potassium loss as can diabetic ketoacidosis.
Some of the gastrointestinal side effects that can occur with KCL include nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, flatulence, diarrhea, upper or lower GI bleeding, obstruction, ulceration or perforation. Drugs that slow the intestinal tract should be avoided with KCL and a 6-8 ounce glass of water should be taken with each dose.
Multiple side effects can take place if the level of potassium climbs too high in the bloodstream. High potassium (hyperkalemia) can present with vertigo, fatigue, lightheadedness, mental confusion, unstable blood pressure, numbness and tingling in the extremities, shortness of breath, slow or abnormal heart rate, cardiac arrest or death.
As with any pharmaceutical drug, monitoring by a healthcare professional is important to help prevent adverse effects.
Possible short-term side effects
- nausea, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal distention
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too much kcl can lead to vertigo, fatigue
- lightheadedness, mental confusion, unstable blood pressure, numbness and tingling in the extremities, shortness of breath, slow or abnormal heart rate, cardiac arrest or death
-
certain drug interactions
Possible long-term side effects
- lower or upper gi bleeding
-
obstruction, ulceration, perforation
Benefits
- replaces low levels of a vital mineral
-
supports function and mood
-
decreases risk of stroke
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supports healthy weight and decreases cellulite
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heart healthy and balances blood pressure
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supports bone health
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decreases muscle cramps
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odorless compound that is water soluble
Our Wellness Pick
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NU-SALT Substitute
- Sodium-free
- Healthy alternative
- Convenient 3-pack
- 3 Oz sizes
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Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 11-14-2023
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 11-14-2023
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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