Potassium is a vital mineral and electrolyte that plays a critical role in maintaining heart function, fluid balance, and nerve signaling.
Despite its importance, dietary surveys reveal a widespread public health concern: most people in the United States do not consume the recommended daily amount of this essential nutrient.
This shortfall can have significant implications for long-term health, increasing the risk for conditions like high blood pressure and stroke.
This comprehensive guide delves into the science behind potassium, exploring its profound benefits, the risks of deficiency, and the best ways to ensure you’re getting enough.
Read on to discover how optimizing your potassium intake can be one of the most impactful changes you make for your overall well-being.
In This Article
What is Potassium and Why is it Essential?
Often overshadowed by its counterpart, sodium, potassium is one of the most important minerals in the human body.
Understanding its fundamental roles reveals why a sufficient intake is non-negotiable for good health.
An Essential Mineral and Electrolyte
Potassium (chemical symbol K) is an alkali metal and an essential dietary mineral. In the body, it functions as a primary electrolyte.
When dissolved in water, such as the fluids in our body, electrolytes separate into positively or negatively charged ions.
Potassium forms a positively charged ion (K+) and is the most abundant intracellular cation (positively charged ion inside cells).
This electrical property is what allows potassium to conduct nerve impulses, manage muscle contractions, and maintain a healthy heartbeat.
Roughly 98% of the potassium in your body is found inside your cells, with 80% of that located in muscle cells and the remaining 20% in bones, the liver, and red blood cells.
This high intracellular concentration is crucial for cellular function.
The Na+/K+ Pump: Your Body’s Cellular Engine
The magic of potassium is best understood through its relationship with sodium.
Every cell in your body is equipped with a mechanism called the sodium-potassium (Na+/K+) ATPase pump.
This pump actively moves sodium ions out of the cell while pulling potassium ions into the cell.
This constant exchange maintains a steep electrochemical gradient—a difference in electrical charge and concentration across the cell membrane.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this gradient is fundamental for:
- Nerve Transmission: The movement of ions across the nerve cell membrane generates the electrical signals (nerve impulses) that travel between your brain and body.
- Muscle Contraction: This same electrical signaling triggers the contraction and relaxation of skeletal and smooth muscles, including the most important muscle of all: the heart.
- Maintaining Cellular Fluid Volume: By controlling the concentration of electrolytes inside the cell, potassium helps regulate the amount of water within it, preventing cells from shrinking or bursting.
How Your Body Absorbs and Regulates Potassium
When you consume potassium-rich foods, about 85-90% of the potassium is absorbed, primarily in the small intestine through passive diffusion.
Your body is incredibly efficient at regulating potassium levels. The kidneys are the main regulators, filtering potassium from the blood and excreting any excess amount in the urine.
This system is highly adaptable. If your intake is high, your kidneys excrete more. If your intake is low, they conserve it.
However, there’s a limit to this conservation. The body excretes a minimum of about 195 mg of potassium daily through urine, meaning a baseline intake is always required to maintain balance.
In healthy individuals with normal kidney function, it’s very rare to develop dangerously high potassium levels from food alone because the kidneys are so effective at managing it.
How Much Potassium Do You Need Per Day?
Determining the right amount of potassium is key to unlocking its health benefits.
Recommendations are set by health authorities based on extensive scientific evidence to ensure nutritional adequacy and reduce chronic disease risk.
Understanding Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) establishes Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for nutrients.
For potassium, the key value is the Adequate Intake (AI). An AI is set when there isn’t enough evidence to establish a more precise Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
The AI is the average daily intake level assumed to be adequate for healthy people.
Official Recommended Daily Intakes (AI)
In 2019, NASEM updated the AIs for potassium. These recommendations vary by age, sex, and life stage.
It’s important to note that these values are for healthy individuals and do not apply to those with conditions that impair potassium excretion, such as chronic kidney disease.
| Age Group | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 400 mg | 400 mg | – | – |
| 7–12 months | 860 mg | 860 mg | – | – |
| 1–3 years | 2,000 mg | 2,000 mg | – | – |
| 4–8 years | 2,300 mg | 2,300 mg | – | – |
| 9–13 years | 2,500 mg | 2,300 mg | – | – |
| 14–18 years | 3,000 mg | 2,300 mg | 2,600 mg | 2,500 mg |
| 19–50 years | 3,400 mg | 2,600 mg | 2,900 mg | 2,800 mg |
| 51+ years | 3,400 mg | 2,600 mg | – | – |
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019
Why Most People Don’t Get Enough Potassium
Potassium is identified as a “nutrient of public health concern” in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, because underconsumption is widespread and linked to adverse health effects.
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) consistently shows that average intakes fall well short of the AI.
According to a 2017-2018 NHANES data brief, the average daily potassium intake for the U.S. population was just 2,496 mg. For adult men (20+), the average was 3,016 mg (vs. an AI of 3,400 mg), and for adult women, it was 2,320 mg (vs. an AI of 2,600 mg).
This gap is largely due to the modern Western diet, which is high in processed foods (often stripped of potassium and high in sodium) and low in whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which are the richest natural sources of potassium.
What are the Top Health Benefits of Potassium?
A diet rich in potassium is linked to a wide array of powerful health benefits, from cardiovascular protection to stronger bones.
Here’s a deep dive into the most well-researched advantages.
1. Lowers Blood Pressure and Combats Sodium
Perhaps the most celebrated benefit of potassium is its ability to help manage high blood pressure (hypertension).
The American Heart Association emphasizes its importance. Potassium works in two primary ways:
- It helps the kidneys excrete excess sodium. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose through urine. Since high sodium intake is a major driver of high blood pressure, this is a crucial counter-balancing effect.
- It eases tension in blood vessel walls. Potassium helps relax the walls of your blood vessels (a process called vasodilation), which directly lowers blood pressure.
A 2025 dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials confirmed this effect, finding that potassium supplementation significantly reduces blood pressure, with a more pronounced effect in individuals who already have hypertension.
The study found that for every 50 mmol/day increase in potassium, systolic blood pressure dropped by 5.3 mmHg in hypertensive subjects.
2. Reduces the Risk of Stroke
The blood pressure-lowering effect of potassium directly translates to a reduced risk of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The evidence is compelling:
- An analysis of 11 prospective studies with over 247,000 participants found that a 1,640 mg higher daily potassium intake was associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke.
- Another meta-analysis found that people who ate the most potassium had a 24% lower risk of stroke than those who ate the least.
This benefit is so well-established that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a health claim for it: “Diets containing foods that are a good source of potassium and that are low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke”.
3. Supports Bone Health and Prevents Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak and porous bones, making them susceptible to fractures.
While calcium and vitamin D are famous for their roles in bone health, potassium is an unsung hero. It helps by neutralizing acid in the body.
Diets high in acid-forming foods (like meat and cereal grains) can lead to a state of low-grade metabolic acidosis.
To buffer this acid, the body may leach calcium and other alkaline minerals from the bones, weakening them over time.
Potassium-rich foods, especially fruits and vegetables, provide alkaline compounds like potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate.
A 2024 narrative review highlighted that potassium salts, particularly potassium citrate, reduce urinary calcium excretion and markers of bone resorption, suggesting a protective effect on bone mineral density.
By providing an alkaline buffer, dietary potassium helps the body preserve its calcium stores in the bones, contributing to long-term skeletal strength.
4. Helps Prevent Painful Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.
The most common type is calcium oxalate stones. Low potassium intake can increase urinary calcium, a key risk factor for stone formation. Conversely, a potassium-rich diet can help prevent them.
The mechanism is twofold. First, by improving calcium reabsorption, potassium reduces the amount of calcium excreted in the urine.
Second, potassium citrate, found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and also used as a supplement, increases urinary citrate levels.
Citrate is a natural inhibitor of kidney stones, it binds with calcium in the urine, preventing the formation of calcium crystals.
Observational studies have shown that individuals with the highest potassium intake have a 33-56% lower risk of developing symptomatic kidney stones.
5. Crucial for Nerve Function and Muscle Contraction
As a primary electrolyte, potassium is at the heart of your body’s electrical system.
Nerve impulses are generated by the rapid movement of sodium ions into cells and potassium ions out of cells.
This shift in electrical charge activates the nerve signal.
A drop in blood potassium levels can disrupt this delicate process, impairing the ability to generate nerve impulses.
This directly affects muscle function, leading to weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.
It also affects the heart’s rhythm, as the heartbeat is regulated by these same electrical signals.
Both low and high potassium levels can lead to dangerous, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
6. Regulates Fluid Balance and Reduces Water Retention
Your body is about 60% water, which is divided between intracellular fluid (ICF, inside cells) and extracellular fluid (ECF, outside cells).
The balance of these fluids is determined by the concentration of electrolytes. Potassium is the main electrolyte in the ICF, while sodium is the main electrolyte in the ECF.
When you consume a high-sodium, low-potassium diet, sodium can pull excess water into the extracellular space, leading to bloating and water retention.
Increasing your potassium intake helps restore balance. It signals the kidneys to excrete more sodium and increases urine production, helping to flush out excess fluid and reduce water retention.
What are the Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)?
While severe potassium deficiency is rare in healthy individuals, mild to moderate deficiency is more common than people realize, especially among those taking certain medications or with specific health conditions.
Recognizing the signs is the first step toward correction.
What is Hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia is the medical term for low potassium levels in the blood. It is generally defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L.
While symptoms may not appear until levels are lower, even mild hypokalemia can have negative health consequences over time.
- Mild Hypokalemia: 3.0-3.4 mmol/L
- Moderate Hypokalemia: 2.5-2.9 mmol/L
- Severe Hypokalemia: <2.5 mmol/L (This is a medical emergency)
Common Causes of Low Potassium
Hypokalemia is rarely caused by low dietary intake alone. More often, it results from excessive potassium loss. Common causes include:
- Diuretic Medications: Thiazide and loop diuretics, often prescribed for high blood pressure or heart failure, are a leading cause of potassium loss through increased urination.
- Gastrointestinal Losses: Chronic diarrhea, frequent vomiting, or laxative abuse can lead to significant potassium depletion.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), chronic kidney disease, and hyperaldosteronism (excess production of the hormone aldosterone) can cause potassium wasting.
- Inadequate Intake: While not usually the sole cause, a consistently poor diet can contribute to and worsen hypokalemia from other causes.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of low potassium often relate to its role in muscle and nerve function.
They tend to be proportional to the severity and duration of the deficiency. Watch for:
- Fatigue and Weakness: This is one of the most common and earliest signs, as muscles lack the electrical signaling needed for proper function.
- Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions can occur as potassium levels drop.
- Digestive Problems: Potassium is needed for the smooth muscle contractions of the digestive tract. Low levels can slow down digestion, leading to constipation, bloating, and abdominal cramping.
- Heart Palpitations: An irregular heartbeat, skipped beats, or a fluttering sensation can occur as low potassium disrupts the heart’s electrical rhythm.
- Tingling and Numbness: Known as paresthesia, this can occur as nerve function is affected.
When is Low Potassium a Medical Emergency?
Severe hypokalemia (<2.5 mmol/L) is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms can escalate to:
- Extreme Muscle Weakness or Paralysis: This can become so severe that it affects the respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Severe Cardiac Arrhythmias: Life-threatening heart rhythms can develop, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A condition where muscle fibers break down, releasing their contents into the bloodstream and causing kidney damage.
If you suspect you have symptoms of low potassium, especially if you are taking diuretics or have chronic digestive issues, consult a healthcare professional.
Do not attempt to self-treat severe symptoms with high-dose supplements.
What are the Best Food Sources of Potassium?
The best and safest way to increase your potassium intake is through a balanced diet rich in whole foods.
While bananas are famously associated with potassium, many other foods contain significantly more of this vital mineral.
Beyond the Banana: Foods That Pack More Potassium
To put things in perspective, a medium banana contains about 422 mg of potassium.
The following table highlights several nutritional powerhouses that easily surpass it, helping you diversify your potassium sources.
| Food | Serving Size | Potassium (mg) | % of Male AI (3400mg) | % of Female AI (2600mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lentils, cooked | 1 cup | 731 | 21% | 28% |
| Acorn Squash, cooked | 1 cup, cubed | 644 | 19% | 25% |
| Potato, baked (with skin) | 1 medium | 610 | 18% | 23% |
| Sweet Potato, baked | 1 medium | 542 | 16% | 21% |
| White Beans, canned | 1/2 cup | 502 | 15% | 19% |
| Avocado | 1/2 medium | 487 | 14% | 19% |
| Spinach, cooked | 1/2 cup | 419 | 12% | 16% |
| Banana | 1 medium | 422 | 12% | 16% |
| Salmon, cooked | 3 ounces | 326 | 10% | 13% |
Data sourced from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and USDA FoodData Central.
A Comprehensive List of Potassium-Rich Foods
To build a potassium-rich diet, focus on incorporating a variety of these foods:
- Vegetables:
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Swiss Chard, Beet Greens)
- Root Vegetables (Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Yams)
- Squash (Acorn, Butternut, Pumpkin)
- Tomatoes (especially sun-dried tomatoes, paste, and sauce)
- Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus
- Fruits:
- Avocados, Bananas, Plantains
- Cantaloupe, Honeydew Melon
- Oranges and Orange Juice
- Dried Fruits (Apricots, Prunes, Raisins, Dates) – be mindful of sugar content.
- Kiwifruit, Pomegranate
- Legumes:
- Lentils, White Beans, Kidney Beans, Black Beans
- Soybeans (Edamame)
- Lima Beans
- Protein Sources:
- Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Cod)
- Chicken and Turkey Breast
- Lean Beef
- Dairy and Alternatives:
- Yogurt (especially plain Greek yogurt)
- Milk
- Soymilk
- Nuts and Seeds:
- Pistachios, Almonds
- Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds
Should You Take Potassium Supplements?
While a food-first approach is always best, supplements can be useful in specific situations.
However, they come with important caveats and should be approached with caution.
Understanding the 99 mg Limit in OTC Supplements
If you’ve ever looked for an over-the-counter (OTC) potassium supplement, you may have noticed that most are limited to 99 mg per pill. This is only about 2-3% of the daily recommended intake. This limit is not arbitrary.
The FDA has concerns that high-dose, concentrated forms of potassium, particularly potassium chloride, can cause small-bowel lesions, gastrointestinal irritation, and ulcers.
By limiting the dose in a single pill, manufacturers reduce the risk of a high concentration of potassium irritating one spot in the digestive tract.
This regulation makes OTC supplements an inefficient way to significantly boost your daily intake.
Different Forms of Potassium Supplements: A Comparison
Potassium supplements come in several forms, each with different properties and uses.
Choosing the right one often depends on the underlying reason for supplementation.
| Form | Primary Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Chloride | Treating hypokalemia, especially when caused by diuretics. | Most common and effective for correcting low potassium and chloride levels. | Can cause GI upset (nausea, vomiting). High doses linked to gut lesions. |
| Potassium Citrate | Preventing kidney stones; alkalinizing urine. | Helps prevent kidney stones by increasing urine citrate and pH. May benefit bone health. | Can cause GI side effects. Less effective for correcting chloride deficits. |
| Potassium Bicarbonate | Correcting metabolic acidosis; bone health. | Strong alkalinizing effect, beneficial for buffering dietary acid. | Can cause gas and bloating. Not ideal for general potassium repletion. |
| Potassium Gluconate | General supplementation; often considered gentler. | May be better tolerated by the stomach than potassium chloride. | Contains a lower percentage of elemental potassium, requiring larger pills for the same dose. |
When Are Prescription Supplements Necessary?
High-dose potassium supplements are available only by prescription.
A doctor will prescribe them for a diagnosed case of hypokalemia. In these situations, a healthcare provider can:
- Determine the appropriate dose and form based on your specific condition and blood test results.
- Monitor your blood potassium levels to prevent them from becoming too high (hyperkalemia).
- Recommend specific formulations (e.g., extended-release tablets or liquid) to minimize side effects.
Expert Advice: Never take high-dose potassium supplements without medical supervision. The line between a therapeutic dose and a dangerous one can be thin, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Can You Have Too Much Potassium (Hyperkalemia)?
Just as low potassium is a problem, so is high potassium.
Hyperkalemia is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when potassium levels in the blood become too high.
What is Hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum potassium level above 5.0 mmol/L.
For healthy individuals with normal kidney function, it is nearly impossible to develop hyperkalemia from eating potassium-rich foods.
Healthy kidneys are extremely effective at excreting excess potassium.
Who is at Risk?
The risk of hyperkalemia is almost exclusively seen in individuals whose ability to excrete potassium is impaired. The primary risk groups include:
- People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): As kidney function declines, the ability to filter and excrete potassium is reduced, allowing it to build up in the blood.
- Users of Certain Medications: Medications that affect potassium excretion, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and potassium-sparing diuretics, significantly increase the risk.
- Individuals with Other Conditions: Type 1 diabetes, congestive heart failure, and adrenal insufficiency can also impair potassium regulation.
- Users of High-Dose Supplements: Taking large doses of potassium supplements, especially without medical supervision, can overwhelm the kidneys’ ability to excrete it.
Symptoms of High Potassium
Hyperkalemia can be asymptomatic in its mild stages, but as levels rise, it can cause:
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tingling or numbness (paresthesia)
- Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- In severe cases: paralysis, shortness of breath, and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
The Role of Salt Substitutes
Many salt substitutes replace sodium chloride (NaCl) with potassium chloride (KCl) to help lower sodium intake.
While this can be beneficial for some, these products contain very high amounts of potassium (from 440 mg to over 2,800 mg per teaspoon).
For individuals in the at-risk groups mentioned above, using salt substitutes can easily lead to dangerous hyperkalemia.
Always consult a healthcare professional before using salt substitutes if you have kidney disease or are taking medications that affect potassium levels.
How Does Potassium Interact with Medications?
Several common medications can significantly affect your body’s potassium levels.
It’s crucial to be aware of these interactions, especially if you are prescribed any of the following drugs.
Medications That Can Increase Potassium (Risk of Hyperkalemia)
These drugs reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete potassium, leading to a potential buildup in the blood.
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: Used for high blood pressure and heart failure (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril, benazepril).
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Also used for high blood pressure and heart failure (e.g., losartan, valsartan, irbesartan).
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Unlike other diuretics, these are designed to conserve potassium (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, eplerenone).
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Chronic use of drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can impair kidney function and potassium excretion in some individuals.
If you take any of these medications, your doctor will likely monitor your potassium levels periodically.
You should be cautious about using potassium supplements or salt substitutes.
Medications That Can Decrease Potassium (Risk of Hypokalemia)
These drugs increase the amount of potassium lost from the body, primarily through urine or stool.
- Thiazide Diuretics: A common first-line treatment for high blood pressure (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone).
- Loop Diuretics: Powerful diuretics used for heart failure and edema (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide).
- Laxatives: Chronic use or abuse of laxatives can cause significant potassium loss through the stool.
- Certain Corticosteroids: High doses of corticosteroids like prednisone can sometimes lead to potassium wasting.
If you are prescribed a potassium-wasting diuretic, your doctor may also recommend increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods or prescribe a potassium supplement to prevent hypokalemia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potassium
1. What is the fastest way to raise potassium?
For mild cases, consuming potassium-rich foods or juices like orange or prune juice can help. In a medical setting for severe deficiency, intravenous (IV) potassium is the fastest method, administered under strict medical supervision to ensure safety.
2. Is coffee high in potassium?
Yes, coffee is a surprising source of potassium. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains about 116 mg of potassium. For regular coffee drinkers, this can contribute a meaningful amount to their daily total intake.
3. Does cooking destroy potassium?
Potassium is water-soluble, so boiling vegetables can cause some of it to leach into the cooking water. To preserve potassium, it’s better to steam, roast, or stir-fry vegetables. If you do boil them, consider using the nutrient-rich water in soups or sauces.
4. Can I get enough potassium on a low-carb diet?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. Many low-carb, non-starchy vegetables are rich in potassium, such as spinach, avocados, broccoli, and cauliflower. Including these foods, along with nuts and seeds, is essential to meet your needs on a low-carb diet.
5. What’s the difference between potassium and sodium?
Both are essential electrolytes, but they have opposing effects. Potassium is the primary intracellular cation and helps lower blood pressure, while sodium is the primary extracellular cation and can raise blood pressure in high amounts. Maintaining a healthy balance is key.
6. Is it safe to take potassium supplements every day?
For healthy individuals, taking a standard low-dose (99 mg) OTC supplement is generally safe. However, daily high-dose supplementation should only be done under a doctor’s guidance, as it can lead to hyperkalemia, especially in those with impaired kidney function.
7. Which fruit has the most potassium?
While bananas are famous, several fruits have more potassium. Dried apricots, prunes, and raisins are highly concentrated sources. Among fresh fruits, guava, kiwifruit, and cantaloupe are excellent choices that rival or exceed the potassium content of a banana per serving.
8. Can drinking too much water lower my potassium?
In extreme cases, a condition called water intoxication (hyponatremia) can dilute electrolytes, including potassium. However, for a healthy person with normal kidney function, drinking a reasonable amount of water throughout the day will not cause a dangerous drop in potassium levels.
The Takeaway
Potassium is a nutritional powerhouse that is fundamental to nearly every aspect of your health.
From regulating your heartbeat and blood pressure to ensuring your nerves and muscles function correctly, its importance cannot be overstated.
A diet rich in this mineral is strongly associated with a lower risk of stroke, stronger bones, and a reduced likelihood of developing kidney stones.
Despite these profound benefits, the vast majority of people fail to meet their daily potassium needs, largely due to a reliance on processed foods.
The solution is simple and delicious: shift your focus to a diet centered on whole, unprocessed foods. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins.
Your call to action is clear: start today by incorporating one new potassium-rich food into your diet.
Swap a processed snack for an avocado, add a side of spinach to your dinner, or start your day with a bowl of yogurt.
Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in your potassium intake and, ultimately, your long-term health.
What’s your favorite way to get more potassium? Share your tips and recipes in the comments below!
Medical Disclaimer
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.