The Source of Nutrition: Potassium

Because Potassium it carries a little electrical charge that triggers a variety of cell and neuron activities, it is occasionally referred to as an electrolyte. Potassium can be obtained as a dietary supplement and naturally in many foods. Its primary function in the body is to support the maintenance of regular fluid levels inside our cells. Its opposite, sodium, keeps fluid levels within cells normal. Additionally, potassium supports proper blood pressure and aids in the contraction of muscles.

Our body need potassium, an essential element, to support nerve, muscle, and heart function.

Fruits and vegetables are the primary sources of this important vitamin.

The recommended daily consumption for healthy individuals is 3,400 mg of potassium for males and 2,600 mg for women. Daily potassium requirements vary depending on age and sex.

Awareness of intake of Potassium on regular basis is not so common in many individuals. 

Our body need potassium, an essential mineral, to sustain nerve, muscle, and cardiac activities. Additionally, it serves as an electrolyte, transporting minute electrical charges that activate various neuron and cell processes in the cells of your body. 

The majority of foods, notably fruits and vegetables, contain potassium. Rich sources include leafy greens, beans, nuts, dairy products, and starchy vegetables like winter squash.

Symptoms of Deficiency and Toxicity

The kidneys remove excess potassium from the body through urination in order to maintain appropriate blood levels of potassium. Stool and perspiration are additional ways that potassium can be lost. As a result of typical daily losses, at least 400–800 mg must be obtained through meals each day. Hypokalemia is a deficiency that can result from any circumstances that cause more fluid loss than usual, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and some drugs like diuretics. Hospitalized patients who are receiving drugs that make their bodies drain too much potassium are most likely to develop Hypokalemia. It can also occur in people who have inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which can lead to diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption.

Since potassium is present in so many foods, it is uncommon for a shortfall to be brought on by inadequate dietary intake alone. However, if this deficiency is accompanied by excessive sweating, the use of diuretics, the overuse of laxatives, or severe nausea and vomiting, hypokalemia can develop very quickly. A lack of magnesium is another factor, as the kidneys require magnesium to reabsorb potassium and keep cell levels normal.

• Apathy
• muscle weakness or cramps
• Constipation
• Heartbeat irregularities and muscle paralysis (associated with severe Hypokalemia)

Toxicity

Hyperkalemia is the medical term for an excess of potassium in the blood. In healthy individuals, the kidneys effectively eliminate excess potassium, primarily through the urine. Hyperkalemia, however, can result from a number of conditions, including advanced kidney disease, using drugs that cause the body to retain potassium (such as NSAIDs), having compromised kidney function, eating a high-potassium diet (more than 4,700 mg per day), or using potassium-based salt substitutes. the signs of Hyperkalemia

• Weakness, Exhaustion
• Nauseous and Vomit
• Breathing difficulty
• Chest discomfort
• Irregular heartbeat and palpitations in the heart

Have You Heard this ?

To distinguish potassium from vitamin K, the molecular symbol for potassium is "K".

Potassium chloride, which partially or entirely swaps out the sodium chloride in table salt, is occasionally used to make salt substitutes. Potassium salt has a harsh aftertaste when cooked, hence it is not advised for cooking, despite the fact that persons on salt-restricted diets may benefit from its significantly lower sodium content. Before using a potassium salt, talk to your doctor since too much potassium can be harmful for persons who have difficulties excreting it or who are taking drugs that can raise blood potassium levels.

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Story and Compiling: Staff Blaze