Potassium is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of the nervous, muscle, cardiac and pH systems of the blood, modified potassium levels in the blood can cause various health problems such as fatigue, cardiac arrhythmias and fainting, for example. it is one of the most important minerals in the body, being present in cells and in the blood.
A potassium-rich diet is associated with several health benefits such as reducing water retention, regulating blood pressure and preventing heart attacks. This mineral is obtained by ingesting foods such as meats, grains and nuts.
- Potassium is considered an electrolyte contained in cells.
- Which is why it plays a fundamental role in the hydroelectrolyte balance of the body.
- Preventing dehydration and balancing blood pH.
In addition, this is necessary for the emission of nerve signs that regulate muscle and cardiac contraction, as well as reflexes of the body; it has also favored muscle development, as some of this mineral is stored in its cells, being indispensable during periods of growth and development.
The caliemia reference value is between 3. 5 mEq/L and 5. 5 mEq/L. When this mineral is above this range, it could lead to some health problems, as shown below:
Excess potassium in the blood is called hyperkalaemia, hyperkalaemia, or hyperkalaemia and has the following characteristics:
The treatment of hyperkalemia is carried out with the elimination of foods rich in potassium from the diet and, in the most severe cases, the use of drugs in tablets or intravenously may also be necessary, if necessary, you should remain in the hospital. under the pot is in the blood.
Lack of potassium, known as hypokalaemia, hypokalaemia or hypokalaemia, is a hydroelectrolytic disorder that occurs mainly in hospitalized patients, due to a decrease in ingestion due to excessive loss through the gastrointestinal tract orin. Hypokalaemia is characterized by:
The potassium treatment below will depend on the cause of hypokalaemia, the symptoms of the person and blood concentration, as the doctor usually indicates the intake of potassium supplements orally and the consumption of foods rich in this mineral, but in more severe cases. In cases, potassium may need to be administered directly intravenously.
People with any symptoms associated with hypokalaemia or hyperkalaemia should see a family doctor for a blood test to check for a deficiency of this mineral and, if the result would lead to any, they should follow the treatment indicated by the doctor to avoid complications.
Some of the most pot-rich foods include bananas, papayas, tomatoes, spinach, beans, chard, pasteurized grapes, nuts, kiwis, stews, scones, meats and fish. See a more complete list of potassium-rich foods and their contents.