Potassium is an important dietary mineral that also acts as an electrolyte in your body. Electrolytes are electrically charged ion particles that conduct nerve signal transmissions, regulate muscle actions and help your kidneys maintain fluid balance. Excessively high or low levels of blood potassium can cause health complications or become life-threatening. Restore potassium and maintain electrolyte balance with healthy lifestyle habits and when necessary, seek medical attention.
Potassium Daily Intake
Consume food sources of potassium daily to maintain electrolyte balance. The daily recommended adequate intake for potassium in adults is 4,700 mg. A well-balanced diet of potassium-rich foods like raisins, bananas, nuts or seeds, whole grains and a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide enough daily potassium to maintain your health. In the event of acute potassium or electrolyte imbalance with moderate to severe symptoms, seek medical care immediately to determine the exact amount of potassium needed to restore balance.
Potassium Functions
Potassium is the primary electrolyte inside your cells. Along with the electrolyte sodium that is the primary ion particle on the outside of a cell, potassium creates an electrochemical gradient, or membrane potential. The membrane potential acts as an insulating conduit for potassium to send electrical signals in and out of cells without causing damage to the cell. This communication system helps to regulate normal organ functions but it is critical in signaling the cardiac cells to keep a stable heart rhythm. Healthy kidneys are imperative for maintaining adequate potassium levels by filtering and eliminating the excess from your bloodstream.
Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia
Excessive diarrhea, use of diuretic medication or use of antibiotics can cause acute hypokalemia, or low blood potassium levels. Small drops in potassium level may not cause symptoms but chronic hypokalemia may result in fatigue, muscle weakness, damage or spasms, paralysis and abnormal heart rhythm. Engaging in prolonged endurance activity like running a marathon might induce acute hypokalemia but if untreated it can become life-threatening. Hyperkalemia, abnormally high potassium levels, generally results from a kidney disorder that inhibits your kidneys from properly filtering excess potassium out of your bloodstream. Nausea, weak pulse and irregular heartbeat accompany hyperkalemia. In extreme situations, cardiac arrest may occur and immediate medical attention is warranted.
Potassium Balance
Healthy adults can maintain potassium balance with healthy eating habits. If you exercise prevent dehydration, which can cause low potassium levels, by drinking fluids before, during and after exercise. Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures can also cause potassium and electrolyte imbalance. Stay covered, drink plenty of fluids and take breaks from extreme environments. Individuals with kidney disorders might require a low-potassium diet to maintain electrolyte balance. Your physician can advise accordingly. Excess use of table salt can also impact your potassium levels. Limit your salt consumption by using herbs or spices to flavor foods and choosing products that are low in sodium.
Member Comments