Potassium Deficiency
June 26, 2008
Potassium is a very important mineral that helps us feel and be healthy every day. Potassium is found inside the human body cells (also found outside the body cells in very small quantity of about 2-3% of total Potassium contents of the body). Potassium plays an important role in smooth muscular and cellular functioning, cardiovascular functioning, muscle contractions, nerve transmission, in conversion of glucose into glycogen and muscle building etc. Potassium in body is necessary to monitor and regulate aldosterone (hormone found in human body).
It also plays an important role of a catalyst for many types of enzymes inside the human body, in other terms; it helps in spawning many important chemical reactions inside human body. It is believed by many people (doctors) that Potassium helps in improving ATP hydrolysis.
Some known causes of potassium deficiency include excessive diarrhea and vomiting. The treatment in these cases should be for the diarrhea and vomiting, and ensuring there continues to be sufficient potassium in the diet. Mineral supplements may also be necessary. If the vomiting is self-induced, as in bulimia, psychiatric treatment may be indicated.
Hyperthyroidism, an illness of the thyroid, the main hormone producing gland, is also known to cause potassium deficiency. It, in turn, may be caused by an imbalance in other minerals similar to potassium such as magnesium, sodium and calcium. There are numerous treatments available for hyperthyroidism, all requiring some level of medical supervision.
Medications known to increase the likelihood of potassium deficiency include diuretics, cortisones and drugs for controlling high blood pressure. Alternate medications and/or treatments can be explored with a medical professional. If changing medications is not feasible, it may be necessary to supplement with potassium or mineral tablets.
It has been suggested that potassium deficiency may be a side effect of malfunctioning kidneys that contributes to rheumatoidal arthritis. However, hyperkalemia, or excessive potassium in the blood, has been linked to kidney problems
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