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Diff: Potassium

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'''Potassium''' is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a fundamental role in maintaining the balance of fluids, transmitting nerve impulses, and supporting muscle contractions. It is a vital component for numerous physiological processes, contributing to overall health and proper bodily function. Since the human body cannot produce potassium on its own, it must be obtained through dietary sources.
==Overview==
Electrolyte Function:

Intracellular and Extracellular Balance: Potassium is a key electrolyte involved in maintaining the balance of fluids both inside and outside cells.

Nervous System and Muscular Function:

Nerve Signal Transmission: Potassium ions are essential for transmitting nerve signals throughout the nervous system.

Muscle Contractions: Potassium is crucial for regulating muscle contractions, including those of the heart.

Acid-Base Balance:

pH Regulation: Potassium helps regulate the body's acid-base balance, influencing blood pH.
==Functions of Potassium==
Fluid Balance:

Cellular Hydration: Potassium regulates water movement in and out of cells, contributing to cellular hydration.

Blood Pressure Regulation:

Sodium-Potassium Pump: The sodium-potassium pump helps control blood pressure by maintaining the balance of sodium and potassium ions in and around cells.

Heart Rhythm:

Cardiac Muscle Function: Potassium is crucial for maintaining a regular and healthy heartbeat.

Nerve Transmission:

Action Potential: Potassium ions are involved in the generation of action potentials, allowing nerve cells to transmit signals.

Kidney Function:

Excretion of Waste: The kidneys play a role in maintaining potassium balance by excreting excess potassium through urine.
==Dietary Sources of Potassium==
Fruits:

Bananas: A well-known source of potassium.

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.

Avocado: Rich in potassium and other nutrients.

Vegetables:

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard.

Potatoes: Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes.

Tomatoes: Fresh and canned tomatoes are good sources.

Legumes:

Beans and Lentils: Kidney beans, black beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

Dairy and Meats:

Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese.
	'''Potassium''' is a chemical element with the symbol '''K''' and atomic number 19. It is an alkali metal and, in the body, an essential electrolyte.

Meat: Beef, pork, and chicken.
==Recommended Daily Intake==
Varied Requirements: The recommended daily intake varies by age, sex, and life stage. For adults, it is generally around 2,500 to 3,000 mg per day.
==Deficiency and Excess==
Deficiency Symptoms:
	Elemental potassium is highly reactive and is not found free in nature. In food and the human body it is present as potassium ions in salts and solution, not as metallic potassium.

Hypokalaemia: Symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and irregular heartbeats.
	== Element ==
	The Royal Society of Chemistry lists potassium as a group 1 element, solid at 20 C, with relative atomic mass 39.098. The metal is soft and reacts vigorously with water, so it is normally stored away from air and moisture.

Excess Intake:
	Potassium compounds are used in fertilisers, glass, soaps, chemicals and many industrial processes. Potash minerals are an important source of potassium for agriculture.

Hyperkalaemia: Excessive potassium intake, often due to kidney dysfunction, can lead to high levels of potassium in the blood, causing muscle weakness and potentially affecting the heart.
==Interactions and Considerations==
Medication Interactions:
	== Nutrition and Physiology ==
	Potassium is important for fluid balance, nerve signals, muscle contraction and heart rhythm. It works with sodium and other electrolytes to maintain electrical gradients across cell membranes.

Diuretics: Certain diuretics can lead to potassium loss and may require supplementation.
	Dietary sources include potatoes, beans, lentils, fruit, vegetables, milk, yoghurt, fish and meat. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that potassium is present in a wide variety of foods.

Kidney Disease:
	== Low and High Potassium ==
	Low blood potassium is called hypokalaemia. It can be caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, some diuretics, poor intake or medical conditions. Symptoms can include weakness, cramps, constipation and abnormal heart rhythm.

Impaired Excretion: Individuals with kidney disease may need to monitor potassium intake, as impaired kidney function can affect potassium balance.
==Research and Health Benefits==
Blood Pressure:
	High blood potassium is called hyperkalaemia. It is more likely in kidney disease or with some medicines. Severe hyperkalaemia can affect heart rhythm and needs urgent medical care.

DASH Diet: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, rich in potassium, is associated with lower blood pressure.
	== See Also ==
	* [[Magnesium]]
	* [[Sodium]]
	* [[Nutrition]]
	* [[Kidney_stones]]

Stroke Prevention:
	== References ==
	* [https://periodic-table.rsc.org/element/19/potassium Royal Society of Chemistry: Potassium]
	* [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/element/Potassium PubChem: Potassium]
	* [https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/ NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Potassium fact sheet for health professionals]
	* [https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-Consumer/ NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Potassium consumer fact sheet]

Stroke Risk Reduction: Some studies suggest that a high-potassium diet may be associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
	[[Category:Chemistry]]
	[[Category:Elements]]
	[[Category:Nutrition]]