Normal Potassium
Are Normal Potassium Levels Difficult To Maintain?
Normal potassium levels in our body are not really difficult to maintain. The body does most of that work on its own. It is important however, that we follow good nutritional habits, to help keep potassium levels within an acceptable range. Too much or too little potassium can cause symptoms varying from quite mild to more severe, and in extreme but rare cases, life threatening.
Bear in mind that potassium is essential for the proper functioning of every cell in our body, and is therefore essential to life itself. So it goes without saying that one of the secrets to good health, is to maintain a reasonably normal potassium level.
Potassium is a rather strange element. There are only six elements on the planet that are more abundant, yet we rarely see potassium in its pure form. Potassium is the second lightest metal, lithium being the lightest. It oxidized rapidly, and burns upon contact with water. The potassium we ingest is not the pure substance, but comes in the form of salts or other compounds, found in plants and other food we eat.
There are several reasons why our potassium level may get outside of a normal range. Diet is one. Most food items contain potassium, some more than others, and you may follow a high potassium diet or a low potassium diet. Sodium also plays a role. Sodium, along with chloride and potassium, are three electrolytes on which our body depends. These electrolytes must be kept in reasonable balance. Too much sodium in the diet can deplete the amount of potassium in the body.
Kidney disease can also lead to an inability to maintain normal potassium levels. One of the functions of the kidney is to regulate the potassium in our body, keeping it at a proper level. An abnormally functioning kidney may for example, cause excessive urination, with a resulting loss of potassium. Kidney failure on the other hand, can result in our being unable to effectively metabolize the mineral properly, and lead to a build up and an excessive amount of potassium in our system. The same is true with diabetes.
In the normal course of events, if you have blood drawn as part of an annual physical checkup, the results will indicate if you have any potassium-related problems. About one in every 6 persons visiting a doctor will be found to have slightly low potassium levels, with excessive levels being much less common. So, if your results are a little below the normal potassium range, there is probably little cause for concern. There are plenty of other things to do in life besides worrying about your potassium level. Eat well, and you should find the numbers in your blood test results to be quite in order.