Potassium is an important mineral found in fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans and nuts. It plays several roles, but is most commonly known for its function as an electrolyte. While important, excessive potassium in the body causes a condition known as hyperkalemia. This disorder may have no symptoms at first, but it may make you feel nauseated or cause an irregular heartbeat. If you take a potassium supplement, let your physician know, and she can track any abnormalities that may be associated with excessive potassium.
Functions of Potassium
Potassium is one of several electrolytes that conducts electricity in the body. By passing electricity, it helps regulate your heartbeat, aids in muscle contractions and is one of the nutrients responsible for skeletal movement. Potassium is also essential for normal digestive function, as well as cell, tissue and organ regulation. While potassium is necessary for all of these different roles, too much can be harmful.
Proper Dosage
Healthy adults should consume about 4,700 mg of potassium each day. Consuming this amount of potassium has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and risk of kidney stones. While it is possible to consume excess potassium, the exact amount for it to be toxic is unknown. It is unlikely you will experience potassium toxicity from your diet alone. Excessive intake usually stems from taking a high dosage in supplement form.
Hyperkalemia
Excess potassium in the blood, or hyperkalemia, can occur from a sudden increase in potassium ingestion or an excessive increase of potassium being released from cells. Normally your kidneys get rid of excessive potassium, but having kidney failure or some other type of kidney disorder can increase your risk of hyperkalemia. In severe cases, you can develop an abnormal heart rhythm, which can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor can run several tests if you are at risk for hyperkalemia, including blood tests checking for serum potassium, monitoring your pulse or conducting an electrocardiogram to watch the electrical patterns of your heart.
Dietary and Supplemental Potassium
You can get adequate potassium from your diet by consuming the right types of foods. Baked potatoes with skin provide more than 900 mg, while an artichoke has about 350 mg. Bananas contain approximately 420 mg each, 1/2 cup of raisins provides 600 mg and 1 oz. of almonds has 200 mg. Excessive potassium from supplements may cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea. Taking your supplement with food can help prevent these problems. You may experience intestinal ulcers from taking too much potassium chloride in tablet form that is enteric-coated.
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