i'm assuming you are asking this question as a result of a hypertension issue. this is a complex subject, but i'll give it a try.
it is false that high amounts of potassium will "kick out" high amounts of ingested sodium from your body. however, potassium does seem to play a role in blunting the effects of sodium as it relates to hypertension.
your body requires a certain daily amount of ingested sodium and potassium for proper cell function, and normally, most of the excess sodium you consume is excreted in the urine, not through sweating. but, consuming excessively large amounts of sodium or potassium can be very dangerous, or even fatal. and, the average american consumes way too much sodium almost every single day of his or her life.
sodium's function in the body is to regulate the total volume of water in the body, and to regulate the movement of water in and out of cells. people underestimate the value and importance of proper sodium and potassium levels in the body. without either of them, life as we know it would be impossible.
sodium is an ion that attracts water. therefore, a diet too rich in sodium chloride (table salt) causes the body to retain more water than it should, and that excessive water creates an over-abundance of water in the bloodstream, and it is that excessive amount of water in the bloodstream that is a big factor in hypertension.
the bloodstream is a
closed fluid system. if you pump x amount of fluid through that closed system, you will have a fluid pressure of y. if you increase the amount of fluid in that closed system, you will obviously have a direct and corresponding rise in the pressure in that system. increase the fluid volume in a closed system and pressure will always rise accordingly.
the best way to control blood pressure as it relates to the ions is through eating a proper diet, not through drugs or supplements. become aware of the sodium content in your diet, especially in that of the processed foods you eat. 2400mg is the recommended daily allowance of sodium, but often times one can of campbell's soup or one salisbury steak frozen dinner can contain half or more of your recommended daily allowance of salt.
read those labels! also, eat a diet high in potassium, which is primarily your fruits and vegetables - especially the green, leafy vegetables - and nuts are also very rich in potassium (unsalted ones, of course).
haparks said:
ps--i have been getting cramps --at night-- in my legs --so i was guessing my potasium was low-- so how much potassium is ok to take--
you shouldn't be "taking" any potassium at all. you need to eat foods rich in potassium. i'm guessing that you are probably an excellent candidate for a major diet overall, haparks. :smile: