What is Potassium? High and Low Potassium
Potassium is an alkali metal with atomic number 19 and symbol K, located in the 1st group, 4th period of the periodic table. It is a soft and solid element. It is active in water and inactive in nature. Therefore, it loses its properties when in contact with air. It is not produced by the body and is taken from outside with ready-made foods. Approximately 98-99% of the potassium mineral is found inside the cell. 80% of this is in muscle cells. Its rate is higher in some tissues, such as liver, bone and skeletal muscles.
What is Potassium?
Potassium; It takes part in the functions of enzymes, cell division and growth, DNA synthesis, balancing heart functions and blood pressure, regulation of reflexes, proper functioning of the heart, prevention of edema formation, acid and base balance and fluid-electrolyte balance. The most important function of potassium in the body is to work in conjunction with Na (sodium) metal to maintain the body’s liquid electrolyte balance. The absorption of potassium occurs through the small intestine and its excretion from the body occurs through the kidneys. In medical terms, high potassium is called hyperkalemia, and low potassium is called hypokalemia. High or low potassium levels as a result of nutrition or chromosomal disorders may pose a risk to human health. It may even cause permanent problems.
What is High Potassium?
High potassium levels, potassium slipping out of the cell, excessive potassium intake, or low potassium excretion from the body occur when the kidneys do not function properly. Potassium levels in the blood may increase as a result of prolonged exercise, burns and injuries. Consuming foods rich in potassium and taking potassium medication can also increase potassium levels. Drugs and diseases that increase potassium levels in the blood can be listed as follows:
- antibiotics
- NSAIDS group drugs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Cortisone
- heparin
- Beta – blocker
- digoxin
- succinylcholine
- insulin
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes
- infections
- Addison’s disease (Adrenal insufficiency)
Which Foods Contain Potassium?
The need for potassium does not usually occur in individuals who follow a regular and balanced diet. Foods such as black grapes, potatoes, prunes, dried apricots, figs, blackberries, peas, artichokes, zucchini, bananas, spinach, salmon, lentils, beans, avocados, tomatoes, grapefruit, figs, kiwi, blackberries, carrots and beets are rich in potassium. They are rich foods. According to research, consuming foods rich in potassium prevents the risk of hypertension. It is recommended to consume foods with high potassium content after first slicing vegetables or fruits and soaking them in water for 2 hours to reduce the potassium level in case of hyperkalemia. If it is desired to be stored for a longer period of time, this water is changed every 4 hours.
What are the symptoms of high potassium?
Symptoms of high potassium in the body usually appear late. The body can balance the high potassium level for a certain period of time, but when the level in the blood is 6.5 mmol and above, difficulty in breathing, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps or paralysis may be observed. Some of the symptoms of high potassium can be listed as follows:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- arrhythmia
- Numbness of hands and feet
- Loss of consciousness
- Hand, arm and leg muscle weakness
- heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Kidney stone
- Kidney failure
Things Not to Eat When High in Potassium
In the treatment of high potassium, it is primarily recommended not to consume foods rich in potassium. Foods that should be avoided are potatoes, cocoa, coffee, offal products, dried legumes and vegetables. If no significant change is observed in the potassium level as a result of these, the person may be referred to dialysis by the physician. Thanks to dialysis, the blood is cleaned. If the amount of potassium is high, it may cause health problems that can seriously affect vital functions, such as respiratory failure, irregularity in the respiratory tract, heart rhythm disorders and high amounts of toxic substances in the heart.
What is Low Potassium?
Potassium deficiency, called hypokalemia, means that the potassium level in the blood falls below 3.5 mmol. It is critical that this value falls below 2.5 mmol. The reason for low potassium may be potassium slippage into the cell, lack of a potassium-rich diet, excessive potassium excretion from the kidneys and/or excessive excretion from the intestines. Some of the conditions that may cause low potassium are as follows:
- excessive use of alcohol
- Overuse of constipation medication
- magnesium deficiency
- Excessive secretion of aldosterone hormone
- kidney diseases
- Excessive coffee consumption
- Taking too much diuretics
- overeating
- Vomiting
What are the symptoms of low potassium?
Potassium regulates the functions of cells, tissues and organs. Individuals generally do not experience symptoms unless the blood value falls below 3 mmol. Chronic diseases may develop in diets where potassium intake is lower than salt intake. Some of the symptoms that may develop due to low potassium are:
- irregular heartbeat
- Hypertension
- Digestive system disorders
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Cramps in leg and arm muscles
- Weakness
- myalgia
- muscle weakness
- breathing difficulties
- frequent urination
- Thirst
Since these symptoms also resemble those of diabetes, it is very difficult to diagnose. In order to differentiate this, it is necessary to measure the potassium level. Foods low in potassium can be listed as apple, cranberry, pear, watermelon, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, pepper, tea, chestnut, onion, lettuce and kale. In the treatment of low potassium, potassium can be given to the individual orally (orally) or IV (Intravenously). In case of potassium deficiency, potassium gluconate is usually administered orally and potassium chloride is administered IV. The most common side effects of these drugs are; Hypotension, numbness in the arms and legs, skin discoloration, and heart rhythm disturbances may occur. Considering their side effects, the use of these drugs should be under the supervision of a physician. In addition, foods rich in potassium can be consumed. If the patient is using a medication that may cause potassium deficiency, it can be discontinued depending on the situation. Potassium deficiency caused by diarrhea or vomiting should be prevented. If potassium deficiency is left untreated, serious complications may occur.
What should be the potassium value?
Potassium is a very important mineral for the body and the potassium value of an adult usually varies between 3500 – 4000 mmol. Plasma potassium value is considered normal between 3.5-5 mmol. Potassium is measured with a blood or urine test. The minimum amount of potassium an adult should take daily is 2 grams. The amount sufficient for the body in adults is 4.7 grams. It is known as 400 mg for 0-6 month old babies, 700 mg for 7-12 month old babies, 3000 mg for 1-3 year olds, 3800 mg for 4-8 year olds, and 4500 mg for 9-13 year old babies.
The daily amount of potassium required for pregnant women is the same as for adults, but the potassium need for breastfeeding women increases and this value is 5.1 grams. Monitoring the potassium level during pregnancy is important for the health of both the mother and the baby.
High or low potassium is vital. Treatment is easier with early diagnosis. When one or more of the above symptoms are observed, or when an abnormal potassium level is seen in a routine blood test, it is necessary to apply to the emergency department of a hospital staffed by well-equipped and expert physicians. Unconscious use of potassium medications poses a great risk and can seriously harm your health. These damages may appear as kidney failure, kidney stones, heart attack, stroke, nervous and respiratory system disorders. For this reason, it is recommended to take medications regularly under the supervision of a physician. We wish you healthy days.
