Potassium

Potassium ions are principal cations in the cells and present in low concentration in extra cellular fluid. Potassium ions are very important for human body. Potassium ions are not only serves as a caution but also do many works in endocrine system. Potassium ions are very important for energy induction and cellular channeling among fluids. Among many function that potassium ions performs in the human body, some of them are as follows:

Potassium ions are needed for catalytic or enzymatic reactions. Glucose production is performed under the sufficient presence of potassium ions and low potassium can cause problem in glucose production as we know that glucose is a compound that can produce energy in the body. So if low potassium leads to low glucose level then it can cause dizziness, weakness and many other problems. Potassium ions also have an important function in renal tubules. Potassium is the positively charged ion in the liquid within the cells, while sodium is the cation in the liquid outer surface of the cells. Potassium absorptions are about 30 times high inside than outside cells, whereas sodium absorptions are over 10 times lesser inside than outside cells. The concentration variations among potassium and sodium across cell membranes produce an electrochemical gradient identified as the membrane potential.

High potassium is also called hyperkelemia and this disease is caused by high potassium in blood and tissues. High potassium is mostly produced due to renal insufficiency, diuretics and less urine excretion. This high potassium can also be obtained by taking foods high in potassium. Foods high in potassium if taken in excess then it can cause hyperkelemia but this situation is not severe and can be stopped by care. But hyperkelemia that is caused by different disease state is very hazardous. High potassium levels in body can cause RBC rupture symptoms of hyperkelemia are such as tingling of hands, feet, muscular weakness and development of abnormal heart rhythm which can lead to cardiac arrest. Drug interaction can also cause hyperkelemia. Hyperkelemia can affect other body organs as well. It can cause tissue rupture, low metabolic activity and many other problems. Patient that has undergone such condition must not be given potassium foods. Potassium foods can be proved toxic for such a hyperkelemic patient.

Potassium food sources are abundant. Potassium is mostly found in fruits and vegetables. Potassium food sources are many and some of the sources of potassium can be described in list of foods rich in potassium. This list of foods rich in potassium is as follows:

• Banana.
  
• Potato.
  
• Prunes & Orange Juice.
  
• Tomato.
  
• Raisins.
  
• Artichoke.
  
• Lima Beans.
  
• Spinach.
  
• Sunflower.
  
• Almonds And Molasses.

Potassium food sources given above are not the low potassium food sources but these are very much high potassium foods with high potassium levels. Low potassium diet can be very hazardous to health. Low potassium diet can result into potassium deficiency. Potassium deficiency is also very bad for health and even more than high potassium in body. Low potassium in body or potassium deficiency can be fulfilled by potassium supplements or tablets. Intake of potassium can also be reverse to convert potassium deficiency into potassium access as hyperkelemia. To avoid this kind of problem two measures must be taken. Prescribed potassium amount must be taken with diet and continuous blood potassium level must be checked so if there potassium level is high in blood then intake of potassium supplement can be stopped right away.

There is substantial proof that a diet supplying at least 4.7 grams per day of potassium is linked with reduced possibility of stroke, blood pressure, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. Potassium is very useful a well as it can cause death by being very low in body and by being very high in body both conditions are very much dangerous for health.