Potassium is a mineral that helps your cells work the right way. It helps make the electricity that lets your cells do their jobs. Your nerves and muscles — including your heart — might not work the way they should if you don’t get enough.
Helps With Osteoporosis
As people age, their bones tend to get brittle. The typical diet in the U.S. doesn’t help, either. Lots of meat and dairy can cause your body to make too much acid, and that can weaken your bones faster. Foods rich in potassium — mostly fruits and vegetables — can slow it down.
Helps Prevent Kidney Stones
These are hard little balls made from minerals in your pee, and they can really hurt if they get stuck when you’re trying to go. More acid in your body — often thanks to a meat-rich diet — makes you more likely to get them. Potassium helps get rid of acid, which keeps those minerals where they belong (in your bones) and prevents those painful stones.
Helps Your Muscles Work
You need just the right amount of potassium inside your cells — and sodium outside your cells — for your muscles to work well. Too little, or too much, of either can make your muscles weak or make them squeeze when you don’t want them to.