Dietary potassium deficiency is a major contributor to hypertension as well as many diseases. Interestingly, potassium bicarbonate significantly reduces calcium excretion even in high protein diets. And there is evidence that K-Bicarb helps prevent osteoporosis through its calcium saving effect.
High protein diets, common in our society, are well known for their negative effect upon calcium. And interestingly potassium bicarbonate also reduces nitrogen secretion as well as magnesium excretion. The combined benefits of potassium bicarbonate of enhancing calcium, magnesium and protein retention, while enhancing water excretion, are metabolically beneficial. Indeed, there is considerable evidence to suggest that potassium bicarbonate supplementation may well help prevent osteoporosis, reduce blood pressure, reduce weight and even improve adult onset diabetes. (Eur J Nutr, 2001, 40: 200-213). Theoretically, an increase in alkalinity might also reduce the risk of cancer.
Within one week of taking 793 mg of potassium as K-Bicarb, I lost 3 pounds of weight, presumably water. The average American consumes only 3.4 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. A minimum of 5 are recommended. I consume 6 to 8 servings. On the other hand, because I take 5 grams of vitamin C daily, my urine acidity has been quite low (pH 5), whereas after adding the K-Bicarb, my urine acidity has reached the more desirable level of pH 6.5.
If you have normal kidney function and drink adequate amounts of non-chlorinated water (half pounds of body weight in ounces of water), and are unable to consume 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, I suggest you explore the health benefits of added K-Bicarb! Start with 600 mg of potassium and evaluate according to your urine pH.