The human body requires the mineral potassium for cells to function properly. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults intake 4,700 mg per day. Although most people do get the recommended allowance of potassium through a healthy diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, too much or too little potassium can cause health problems.
Function
In addition to being a mineral, potassium functions as an electrolyte in the body. Electrolytes conduct electrical impulses, making potassium important for skeletal muscle contractions, heart function and digestion. Together with sodium, potassium balances the level of water in the body making both important in the regulation of blood pressure. Too much sodium contributes to an increase in blood pressure and the onset of hypertension. Maintaining normal levels of potassium or increasing levels may help protect against hypertension by increasing the amount of salt excreted by the kidneys, as reported by Colorado State University.
Sources
The best way to maintain a normal level of potassium in the body is to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, provide an excellent source of potassium. Other vegetables rich in potassium include carrots, celery and squash. Fruits, such as apricots, avocados, bananas and cantaloupe, provide a rich source of potassium. Meats, such as chicken and fish, and dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, can also contribute to potassium intake.
Levels
Most potassium in the body resides inside the cells, leaving only 2 percent of the total amount of potassium in the plasma -- the liquid portion of the blood -- available for use by the body, according to Lab Tests Online. Therefore doctors can determine the level of available potassium by testing the blood. The normal range for potassium, as listed by MedlinePlus, falls between 3.7 milliequivalent per liter and 5.2 milliequivalent per liter. Because the concentration of potassium in the blood is so small, even slight changes in the levels can cause health consequences.
Hyperkalemia
Although necessary in the body, too much potassium, known as hyperkalemia, can interfere with normal cell function. Hyperkalemia can occur due to an increase in total body potassium usually caused by a problem in the kidneys that inhibit them from removing excess potassium; a decrease in aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the removal of potassium and sodium; or conditions that cause cells to rupture therefore releasing their potassium. Hyperkalemia can cause an irregular heartbeat, nausea and a weak pulse and lead to potentially serious complications of arrhythmia and cardiac arrest.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia, a condition characterized by a lower than normal level of potassium, usually occurs due to conditions that cause the body to lose too much potassium. Severe diarrhea and excessive sweating lead to dehydration, which can cause hypokalemia. Some medications, such as certain types of diuretics, stimulate the kidneys to remove too much potassium leading to hypokalemia. Symptoms of hypokalemia include muscle cramps, weakness, lack of energy, stomach disturbances and irregular heartbeat.
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