Potassium has a vital role in the body, but it needs to stay within a certain range in the bloodstream to fulfill its tasks. Eating healthy should provide all of the potassium that the body needs, but people can develop a high or low potassium level as a result of various disorders or kidney damage.
Potassium Function and Level
Potassium is a mineral with an electric charge and this is why it is called an electrolyte. It has an important role in the muscles, heart, nervous system and cell membranes but to perform its functions, the potassium level must stay within a particular range in the bloodstream. A small change in the level can cause symptoms, explains James Lewis, III, M.D., of Nephrology Associates in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." The normal potassium level is between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Hyperkalemia
The medical term for a high potassium level, or a level more than 5.0 mEq/L, is hyperkalemia, which can be the result of several disorders. One of the jobs of the kidneys is to ensure that potassium is in the proper range in the bloodstream, as explained in the "Handbook of Pathophysiology" by Elizabeth Corwin, Ph.D. Thus, kidneys damaged by lupus, sickle cell or diabetes can result in a high potassium level. Internal bleeding, strenuous exercise, trauma to the skeletal muscles and severe infections can also lead to high levels.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia describes a potassium level which is low, or less than 3.5 mEq/L. Similar to hyperkalemia, some kidney disorders can cause a low potassium level. People may also develop an abnormally low level from excessive diarrhea or vomiting, from using diuretics or too much laxatives for a long period of time. Very low potassium levels can cause an abnormal heart rhythm, writes Kerry Cho, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California in "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment."
The Potassium Level and the Diet
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating a healthy diet which includes fruits and vegetables should provide people with all of the potassium that they need. Having too much salt, however, can raise the amount of potassium that is needed, because the normal range of potassium also depends upon the amount of magnesium and sodium in the bloodstream. Food rich in potassium includes dairy products, cod, salmon, flounder, lima beans, tomatoes, avocados, potatoes, cantaloupes, citrus juice, bananas and meat.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2011"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2011
- "Handbook of Pathophysiology"; Elizabeth Corwin, MSN, Ph.D., FNP; 2000
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Disorders of Potassium Concentration
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
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