What Is The Function Of Potassium In Our Body?

What Is the Function of Potassium in Our Body?

Feb 13, 2011 | By Laura Niedziocha

The average healthy adult needs 4.7 g of potassium each day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, soy, yogurt, milk, potatoes, beans and nuts. Potassium is a mineral that plays a critical role in many of your body's daily functions. From keeping your heart functioning properly to making certain proteins, potassium keeps your body running.

Cellular Activity

The main mechanism of maintaining cellular balance is through the sodium potassium pump. This works through an exchange of potassium from outside the cell to sodium inside the cell. This action is necessary for cells to do their work. Each of your cells has a resting membrane potential that increases in polarity when your brain calls upon the cell to perform its duty. Exchanging sodium for potassium allows your membrane potential to change.

Heart Function

Potassium is essential to your heart in a way that is similar to its affect on your other working cells. When your heart beats, it starts with a spontaneous wave of excitation in which your cells decrease their polarity. Potassium, since it is positively charged, rushes into your cardiac cells, reducing polarity and allowing your heart to contract. Without an adequate supply of potassium, you risk suffering an arrhythmia because this cycle cannot properly function.

Blood Pressure

Your potassium intake plays a role in controlling your blood pressure. Potassium balances out your sodium. If you eat too much sodium and not enough potassium, your body begins to retain water. Water retention adds to the resistance around your body, putting increased strain on your heart and increasing your blood pressure. Potassium helps balance out sodium and, thus, reduces water retention.

Protein Production and Metabolism

Without potassium, your body would not be able to make certain proteins or metabolize nutrients. Potassium assists in making the enzymes that break down nutrients and also build up proteins. Proteins cannot be made without proper metabolism of food. Therefore, potassium works to break down food and also assists in the production of necessary proteins.