Potassium is an electrolyte that conducts electricity when dissolved in water, and together with sodium and chloride, it helps to maintain water balance and distribution. Electrolytes are also important for pH balance, muscle tone, nerve conductance, and the function of your heart and kidneys. Fluid retention is an abnormal accumulation of water, usually in the lower legs, that can be caused by electrolyte imbalance, especially between sodium and potassium. In rare cases, too much potassium can disrupt your kidney function and lead to water retention. Consult with your doctor before supplementing with potassium.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is also called edema to distinguish it from inflammation caused by injury. Excess fluid often collects in the lower legs and around your ankles because of the effect of gravity and the lack of smooth muscle in lymphatic vessels to propel the fluid back into circulation. Chronic edema in the lower legs often turns the skin a darker shade of brown. Edema can also affect your lungs, kidneys and heart, leading to life threatening complications. Edema can accumulate quickly and cause a rapid increase in weight, sometimes in days or weeks.
Causes of Edema
Fluid retention, or edema, has many causes and common ones include hormone imbalance, negative drug reactions, weakened veins, chronic lung diseases, congestive heart failure and low protein levels from malnutrition, kidney or liver disease, according to the book "Human Biochemistry and Disease." Sudden potassium loss and chronic potassium deficiency can also lead to fluid retention because of electrolyte imbalance, as can over-consumption of sodium. Dietary deficiency of potassium is not considered common, although medications such as diuretics can quickly lead to low potassium levels, or hypokalemia. Initial symptoms of hypokalemia include weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps, stomach disturbances and an irregular heartbeat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Potassium Balance
In order to maintain normal fluid levels and allow for many biochemical reactions, potassium and sodium need to exist in your body in a ratio of about 5:1, meaning five times more potassium, although the standard American diet is higher in sodium, according to "Metabolic Regulation: A Human Perspective" by Keith Frayn. High potassium, low sodium diets usually protect against cardiovascular diseases, whereas low potassium, high sodium diets often lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention. Natural sources of potassium include most fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, oranges, apples and potatoes.
Too Much Potassium
Too much potassium, or hyperkalemia, is rarely caused by eating potassium-rich foods or taking supplements, but rather kidney dysfunction, abnormal breakdown of protein and severe infections, according to MedlinePlus. Abnormal protein metabolism can affect the osmosis or movement of water, such that it collects in abnormal places and leads to edema. Large doses of potassium supplements can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so consult with your doctor about appropriate dosages.
References
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- "Metabolic Regulation: A Human Perspective"; Keith N. Frayn; 2010
- MedlinePlus: Potassium in Diet
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