Last updated: 4th January 2025
If you’ve ever wondered whether potassium calms anxiety, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, Human Performance Hub explores whether potassium calms nerves, how it works within the body, and the latest 2024-2025 research on this essential mineral.
So, does potassium calm nerves?
Whilst individual responses vary, potassium has been shown to calm nerves, anxiety, and depression. It does this by regulating a range of hormones produced as a result of stress, like cortisol and adrenaline. Studies have shown that potassium activates neurons involved in positive thoughts and feelings.
Read on to learn more about how potassium helps with nerves and the many more benefits of consuming this mineral.
Can Potassium Help With Nerves?
Yes. Ingesting potassium assists with regulating a variety of hormones in your body, especially those produced as a result of stress, such as cortisol and adrenaline. This helps reduce any feelings of anxiousness or tension that you may be experiencing.
Latest Research (2024-2025)
Recent clinical studies have provided compelling new evidence for potassium’s role in mental health:
A 2024 case study published in BMC Psychiatry documented the rapid treatment of severe depression with potassium supplementation. The patient experienced significant improvement within just one week, with complete resolution of anxiety and depression symptoms by week four. This groundbreaking case suggests that relative potassium deficiency in emotional regulation brain regions may contribute to mood disorders.
Additionally, a 2023 population study found that individuals with lower potassium intake had 3.7 times higher odds of experiencing co-existent anxiety and depression compared to those with adequate potassium levels.
Potassium and Anxiety
A common cause of anxiety is having a poor diet. When you lack a particular vitamin or mineral, your system can be hugely affected. In relation to potassium, low levels can cause mental fatigue, stress, and anxiety. The best way to overcome this is to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of natural foods. This can help you overcome your anxiety.
Potassium and Depression
Low potassium levels have also been associated with an increase in mood disturbances and depression. A 2008 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition examined the relationship between potassium and mood. They found that a high-potassium diet helped to relieve symptoms of depression and tension. These results show that potassium is extremely effective in generally uplifting our mood.
What Is Potassium and How Does It Work in the Body?
Potassium is a mineral that every cell in your body needs. It helps just about everything in your body, including your brain, nerves, kidneys, heart, and other organs. As an electrolyte, potassium helps to manage how much water is in your body. It also helps to keep up your body’s electrical system whilst moving nutrients into your cells and taking waste out. Additionally, potassium keeps your body’s sodium levels in check.
The Science Behind Potassium and Nerve Function
Research published in 2024 reveals that potassium channels in the brain play a crucial role in regulating neuronal activity linked to mood. Potassium channel openers have shown antidepressant effects in clinical trials, with significant improvements in depressive symptoms and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure).
Other Health Benefits of Potassium
Potassium is incredibly important because it helps our hearts, kidneys, and other organs work normally. Here is a list of the many benefits of potassium:
1. Increases Brain Function
High potassium levels act as a vasodilator, allowing blood to move more easily through the blood vessels. This blood carries oxygen to the brain, which increases your activity levels and cognitive abilities.
2. Normalises Blood Pressure
Potassium works to balance blood pressure and counteract the effects sodium has on raising it. This helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Recent 2025 research shows potassium supplementation can reduce mean arterial pressure by up to 20% in certain hypertension models.
3. Increases Metabolism
Potassium helps your body extract nutrients from what you eat and helps to break down and process these nutrients. It also plays an important role in synthesising protein and metabolising carbohydrates.
4. Improves Muscular & Heart Health
A diet that is adequate in potassium helps maintain strong muscles. Potassium helps muscle tissue grow properly and is also involved in the electrical signals sent by muscles. This lets them contract properly.
Potassium is also important for a healthy heart, as its movement in and out of cells helps maintain a regular heartbeat.
5. Aids Nervous System
Your nerves send messages to various parts of your body. Potassium helps to make the transportation of these signals easier and more efficient. This improved functioning helps your muscles perform better.
6. Helps Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are ‘hard stones’ made from calcium in your urine. One form of potassium, potassium citrate, binds up this calcium. This helps prevent crystals from forming that could become kidney stones.
7. Helps Regulate Serotonin
A study in the journal Nature Neuroscience investigated the role of potassium in the regulation of serotonin, the neurotransmitter primarily targeted by antidepressants. The results showed that potassium appears to act as a facilitator in ensuring the brain’s ability to properly utilise serotonin.
Potassium counteracts the thoughts and feelings associated with depression and instead activates neurons involved in positive thoughts and feelings. Without the electrical charge sparked by potassium, neurotransmitters like serotonin cannot be utilised to make us feel better. This explains why even a slight decrease in potassium levels can result in significant feelings of anxiety.
8. Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
Potassium helps maintain bone density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in older adults. Potassium does this by cutting down on how much calcium leaves your body in your urine, keeping this calcium around helps to keep bones strong.
9. Helps Regulate Fluid Balance
The amount of water in your intracellular fluid (water found inside your cells) and extracellular fluid (water found outside your cells in areas such as your blood and spinal fluid) is directly affected by your electrolytes, potassium and sodium. Potassium is the main electrolyte in the intracellular fluid and determines the amount of water inside the cells. It’s therefore crucial that you consume the right electrolytes, including potassium.
How Much Potassium Do You Need?
Adults (19 to 64 years) need 3,500mg of potassium a day (UK NHS guidelines). You should be able to get all the potassium you need from your daily diet.
The recommended daily intake varies by age and gender:
- Adults: 3,500mg per day
- Pregnant women: 3,500mg per day
- Breastfeeding women: 3,500mg per day
Most people can get adequate potassium through diet alone, but certain conditions or medications may require monitoring.
Best Food Sources of Potassium
Getting potassium from whole foods is the best approach. Here are the top sources:
Vegetables (per serving)
- Swiss chard (cooked, 1 cup): 961mg
- Baked potato (with skin, 1 medium): 926mg
- Acorn squash (cooked, 1 cup): 896mg
- Spinach (cooked, 1 cup): 839mg
- Mushrooms (cooked, 1 cup): 555mg
- Sweet potato (baked, 1 cup): 500mg+
- Avocado (half): 364mg
Fruits (per serving)
- Cantaloupe melon (1 cup): 473mg
- Banana (1 medium): 451mg
- Dried apricots (1/4 cup): 378mg
- Dried prunes (1/4 cup): 316mg
- Raisins (1/4 cup): 272mg
Legumes & Beans (per serving)
- White beans (cooked, 1 cup): 1,004mg
- Lentils (cooked, 1/2 cup): 366mg
- Kidney beans (cooked, 1/2 cup): 358mg
- Edamame (cooked, 1/2 cup): 338mg
Seafood & Meat (per serving)
- Salmon (3 oz): 326mg
- Tuna (3 oz): 252mg
- Chicken breast (3 oz): 332mg
Dairy & Other Sources (per serving)
- Milk (1 cup): 366mg
- Yogurt (1 cup): 380mg
- Coconut water (1 cup): 600mg
For a comprehensive list of potassium-rich foods, visit the U.S. Dietary Guidelines food sources database.
Signs of Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)
Not enough potassium can make your muscles weak. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Constipation
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mood changes and irritability
- Mental fatigue
It is possible to have hypokalemia because you don’t get enough potassium from food, but it’s more likely to happen with conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, if you have severe vomiting or diarrhoea, or if you’re taking certain medications.
If you have low potassium, foods are a great natural source. Your doctor may even recommend that you supplement with potassium. To find out how much potassium is in the fluid part of your blood, the NHS has a potassium test.
Can You Have Too Much Potassium? (Hyperkalemia)
A healthy individual will naturally pass extra potassium out of the body, so most people don’t actually have to worry about getting too much potassium. However, if something makes it hard for your body to get rid of potassium, it can cause hyperkalemia.
Those at risk include people with kidney conditions and those who take certain types of medicines. Bear in mind that hyperkalemia doesn’t always cause symptoms. It can, however, make your muscles feel weak or cause nausea.
Important: Always consult your GP before taking potassium supplements. Too much potassium can be dangerous, particularly for people with kidney problems.
Is It Safe To Take Potassium as a Supplement?
Yes. Potassium is generally safe to take as a supplement when used appropriately, but it’s crucial to consult your GP first, especially if you have kidney problems or take certain medications.
Is It Safe To Take Potassium Everyday?
Yes. According to the best available evidence, potassium has no negative side effects when supplemented appropriately. One 2019 report suggests that the highest daily dose of potassium you can safely consume is 3 grams per day. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggested in its 2012 guidelines that you can safely take up to 6 grams per day.
Current Dosage Recommendations
Based on recent research and clinical guidance:
For general health: 3,500mg per day from food sources (UK NHS guidelines)
For supplementation: Only under medical supervision
Best timing: With meals to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset
Dietary sources: Leafy greens, beans, potatoes, fruits, fish, and dairy contain natural potassium
- Plant-based option: Supplements available for those who cannot meet needs through diet alone
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does potassium immediately calm anxiety?
Potassium doesn’t provide instant relief like anti-anxiety medication. However, maintaining adequate potassium levels through diet supports overall nervous system function and may reduce anxiety symptoms over time. The 2024 case study showed initial improvements within one week of supplementation.
Q: Can I take potassium supplements for anxiety?
Always consult your GP before taking potassium supplements. Too much potassium can be dangerous, particularly for people with kidney problems. Most people can meet their needs through a balanced diet rich in potassium-containing foods.
Q: What’s the link between potassium and stress hormones?
Potassium helps regulate the production and effects of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Adequate potassium levels support the body’s stress response system, helping to prevent excessive anxiety and tension.
Q: How long does it take for potassium to affect mood?
Individual responses vary, but research suggests noticeable improvements in mood and anxiety may occur within 1-4 weeks of maintaining adequate potassium levels through diet or supervised supplementation.
Q: Can low potassium cause panic attacks?
While low potassium alone may not directly cause panic attacks, it can contribute to symptoms like heart palpitations, muscle weakness, and fatigue that may trigger or worsen anxiety and panic symptoms.
Q: Which is better for anxiety: potassium or magnesium?
Both minerals play important roles in nervous system function. Potassium regulates nerve signals and stress hormones, whilst magnesium helps calm the nervous system. A balanced diet containing both minerals is ideal for overall mental health.
Q: Do bananas really help with anxiety?
Bananas contain potassium (451mg per medium banana), which supports nervous system function. However, many other foods contain more potassium per serving. Swiss chard, white beans, and baked potatoes all provide double the potassium of a banana.
Q: Can potassium help with sleep and anxiety?
Yes. Potassium supports the production and regulation of neurotransmitters involved in sleep and mood regulation, including serotonin. Adequate potassium levels may improve both sleep quality and anxiety symptoms.
Q: What time of day should I eat potassium-rich foods?
There’s no specific best time. Spread potassium-rich foods throughout the day as part of balanced meals. Some people find eating potassium-rich foods in the evening supports better sleep.
Q: Can I test my potassium levels at home?
Standard blood tests at your GP surgery can measure serum potassium levels. However, the 2024 research notes that standard serum potassium tests only reflect blood levels and may not detect tissue-specific deficiencies in the brain and nervous system.
Additional Resources and External Links
Scientific Research
- Rapid treatment of depression with potassium supplementation (2024) – BMC Psychiatry case study
- Lower potassium intake linked to anxiety and depression (2023) – Population study
- Potassium channels in depression (2024) – Comprehensive review
- Potassium and nervous system health (2025) – NHANES analysis
- Potassium and blood pressure (2025) – Hypertension research
Nutrition Guidance
- NHS: Vitamins and minerals – Others – Official UK guidance
- U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Potassium food sources – Comprehensive food database
- British Nutrition Foundation: Minerals and trace elements – UK-specific advice
- Harvard Health: The importance of potassium – Evidence-based overview
- WebMD: Potassium and your body – Comprehensive guide
Mental Health Support
- Mind UK: Anxiety and panic attacks – Mental health charity
- NHS: Clinical depression – Official NHS resource
- Mental Health Foundation – UK mental health charity
The Bottom Line
As of 2025, growing evidence confirms that potassium plays a vital role in calming nerves, reducing anxiety, and supporting mental health. From regulating stress hormones to facilitating serotonin function, this essential mineral is crucial for emotional wellbeing.
The key to getting enough potassium is to eat a range of plant foods each day, including leafy greens, beans, potatoes, and fruits. Certain fish, such as salmon and tuna, are good animal-based sources of this mineral, too.
If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, or mood disturbances, consult your GP. While potassium is important, mental health conditions often require comprehensive treatment approaches.
Need personalised nutrition advice? Book a consultation with Human Performance Hub to optimise your diet for mental and physical performance.
Article medically reviewed and updated: January 2025



















