Pharma gyan Pandit

Potassium

Potassium is a very significant body mineral, important to both cellular and electrical function. It is one of the main blood minerals called "electrolytes" (the others are sodium and chloride), which means it carries a tiny electrical charge (potential). Potassium is the primary positive ion (cation) found within the cells, where 98 percent of the 120 grams of potassium contained in the body is found. The blood serum contains about 4-5 mg. (per 100 ml.) of the total potassium; the red blood cells contain 420 mg., which is why a red-blood-cell level is a better indication of an individual's potassium status than the commonly used serum level.

Magnesium helps maintain the potassium in the cells, but the sodium and potassium balance is as finely tuned as those of calcium and phosphorus or calcium and magnesium. Research has found that a high-sodium diet with low potassium intake influences vascular volume and tends to elevate the blood pressure. Then doctors may prescribe diuretics that can cause even more potassium loss, aggravating the underlying problems. The appropriate course is to shift to natural, potassium foods and away from high-salt foods, lose weight if needed, and follow an exercise program to improve cardiovascular tone and physical stamina.

Potassium is well absorbed from the small intestine, with about 90 percent absorption, but is one of the most soluble minerals, so it is easily lost in cooking and processing foods. Most excess potassium is eliminated in the urine; some is eliminated in the sweat. When we perspire a great deal, we should replace our fluids with orange juice or vegetable juice containing potassium rather than just taking salt tablets. The kidneys are the chief regulators of our body potassium, keeping the blood levels steady even with wide variation in intake. The adrenal hormone aldosterone stimulates elimination of potassium by the kidneys. Alcohol, coffee (and caffeine drinks), sugar, and diuretic drugs, however, cause potassium losses and can contribute to lowering the blood potassium. This mineral is also lost with vomiting and diarrhea.

food rich in Potassium:

Red meat and chicken, Fish (salmon, cod, flounder, sardines), Fruits (bananas, citrus juice, avocados, apples, raisins, apricots), Leafy greens (spinach, parsley, lettuce, broccoli), Peas and lima beans, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Whole grains and wheat germ, Seeds and nuts

Deficiency Symptoms:

Hypertension and Congestive heart failure, Nausea and vomiting, Tingling and numbness, Abdominal cramps and bloating, Constipation, Cardiac arrhythmia, Muscle cramps, fatigue and weakness, Depression and other mood changes.

Diagnosis: 

Abnormalities in potassium levels can be determined by a blood test. This can detect both potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) and potassium elevation (hyperkalemia). This test is especially used to monitor kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Treatment:

Potassium supplementation is recommended only under medical supervision. Children, especially should not be given potassium supplementation until prescribed by a medical practitioner. Generally, these supplements are available as potassium salts of acetate, gluconate, bicarbonate, citrate, and chloride.