The Importance of Potassium for the Human Body

Potassium in the human body is largely located in the cells as the major cation of the intracellular fluid. There is also a small amount of potassium in the

I am concerned about potassium intake because it plays an important role in regulating heartbeat, lowering blood volume and blood pressure (Hammond, 2016d). The lack of potassium intake will lead to irregular heartbeat and life-threatened diseases such as hypokalemia (Hammond, 2016d). In order to increase my potassium consumption, animal foods and plant foods especial fresh vegetable and fruit are needed (Hammond, 2016d).

One cup of navy beans contains 10% of your daily value of potassium, and 26% magnesium. Check labels on bags and cans, because some varieties provide even more!

Water is the most abundant compound in the human body. Water is ESSENTIAL for the process of homeostasis. Water increases the volume of blood which in result affects blood pressure and the heart rate. Also, if there is a drop in blood volume there is also a drop in the blood pressure. This then triggers us to become thirsty, and drinking water increases the volume again stabalizing the body.

Recent studies have proven that imbalances in feline potassium levels are directly related to certain health conditions and issues that older cats are prone to. Fortunately, the condition is treatable, and cats are not only healthier now, but they have longer life expectancies today than ever before. So let's take a look at the potassium issue from the perspective of what

What role does each of the selected electrolytes play in cellular function and fluid balance? Magnesium ( 1.8-2.4mEq/L) helps in maintaining a normal muscle and nerve function, it also helps with regulation cardiac rhythm and it is involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Calcium (8-10 mg/dl). helps with nerve transmission, cardiac excitability and muscular contraction and hormone regulation.

Patients with renal failure, tissue destruction, adrenal gland disease and certain medication can increase potassium levels in the body. High levels of potassium can lead to cardiac arrest. Potassium rich food should be avoided until potassium levels return to normal. Medication such as a water pill can be administered to remove excess potassium via the urinary track. High amounts of potassium can lead to life threatening heart changes and intake of potassium should be stopped until potassium is within normal range.

The human body is constantly undergoing changes and compensatory mechanisms to balance the body and maintain homeostasis. Two contributing mechanisms revolve around the body undergoing acidosis and alkalosis in regards to serum potassium shifts. There are concerns about such shifts due to potential cardiac malfunctions and changes in the pH of the body. The way cells interact in intracellular and extracellular fluids also determines the action potential for cells in regards to how much potential is needed to reach a threshold and polarize or depolarize a cell. There are often countless compensatory mechanisms working inside the body to help maintain homeostasis.

Hydration is one of the key parts to staying healthy. Hydration is very important because your body consists of mostly water. The right balance between water and electrolytes controls how most of the bodies systems function, including our nerves and muscles. Proper hydration is important for proper functioning of the brain. When you are well hydrated, brain cells are better provided with fresh, oxygen-loaded blood, and the brain remains alert.

Potassium is an electrolyte of significant importance to normal functioning of the human body. Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5 meq/L to 5.0 meq/L. When serum potassium levels fall below 3.0 meq/L the patient experiences symptoms which are life altering and life threatening. Thus, correction of hypokalemia requires immediate and efficient interventions to normalize serum potassium

Potassium (K+) is a major intracellular cation and is responsible for electrical conduction throughout the body. Additionally, it is necessary for proper heart and muscle function, and digestion. The normal serum potassium range is between 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; hyperkalemia occurs when potassium levels exceed 5.0 mEq/L. Monitoring and treating hyperkalemia is quintessential to primary care as excess potassium can heart blocks and ventricular fibrillation which can result in sudden death (Pannone et al., 2012).

Potassium is a necessary intracellular ion, found in each cell membrane, playing a vital role in the normal functioning of nerve and muscle cells. It is crucial for proper fluid balance in the body by countering the effect of sodium and creates an electrical charge across the cell membrane. This is important as it allows nerves to conduct electrical impulses to communicate between muscles and cells to contract. A majority is found inside muscle tissue, and the balance between sodium and potassium ions is crucial to maintain an electrical gradient which works to transport substances in/out the cell and transmit nerve signals which consequently trigger muscle contractions.

• Low potassium levels characterized by, confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort and muscle weakness

Brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Brain and spinal cord made up part of the nervous system called central nervous system (CNS). The cerebral cortex which is the largest part of human brain has more than 100 billion of neurones, and each connected by synapses that communicate to other neurons (Pelvig DP, et al., 2008). There are several types of ion channels present along the neurons, one of these is potassium channels. Potassium channels are the integral membrane proteins that span through phospholipids bilayer of cell surface membrane which rapidly conduct potassium ions down their electrochemical gradient (Mark S.P. Sansom, et al., 2002). There are many forms of potassium channels with different functional properties. Therefore, how the tremendous diversity of potassium channels contribute well to the biological process in brain? It is vital for us to understand the important of potassium channel diversity and know benefits for the existence of the potassium channels diversity in the brain?

Hey little fella, got a nice potassium filled treat for you. It’s full of nutrients!