When is the best time to take extra potassium in relation to strenuous exercise, before or after or both?

Toughguy it would make sense to me that if you know you're going to be engaging in some strenuous exercise having your daily potassium dose over the course of the day makes sense. If you take pills that would mean having them at different times, if you use a salt substitute that would entail a few dashes on your various meals.

Increased sweating after and during intense exercise might demand more potassium at that time - along with more water. I've seen it mentioned on occasion that potassium is better taken with food as it can upset your stomach.

Nat

No question it can upset the stomach...it has been bothering my stomach the last few days. I have been taking a couple pills after my workouts which is about an hour before my supper. I wasnt sure what was causing it at first but I do now. I will wait until I actually eat something before I take any potassium supplement. It is just not worth the stomach irritation.

Potassium isn't "stored" so there's no sense taking extra before you work out.

Nat is right ... spread your supplements throughout the day, and your kidneys will take care of the details

Doreen

p.s.-

Make sure you take the supplement with a big glass of water ... in several sips or gulps. This will ensure that the pill gets moved on into the stomach ... potassium can be very irritating to the esophagus if the pill gets lodged there.

Doreen

Thanks for the tips. I will continue to take my usual supplements with meals and cancel the post workout supplements until I eat.