Potassium is a natural component of the human body. It is an important mineral that the body needs to regulate the water balance and to transmit signals from nerve cells and muscle cells. Potassium also has a great influence on the heart and is involved in a regular heart rhythm.
Potassium is found in the body both in the cells and in the spaces between the cells. There is a very specific ratio. The shift in the ratio of cells and intercellular spaces leads to disorders throughout the body.
These can then influence the transmission of signals, the gastrointestinal tract, the muscles and also the heart and bring them out of balance. A massive change in the potassium balance in the body can be life-threatening, since potassium is jointly responsible for many vital processes. Such a disturbed relationship occurs when there is either too much or too little potassium in the body.
Normally, with a balanced diet, sufficient potassium is taken in with food. If too much is ingested, the excess potassium is excreted in the urine. However, a potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) can occur if there is a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract.
If diarrhoea or vomiting occurs, both the fluid content and the potassium content associated with it are out of balance. Laxatives or dehydrating drugs (diuretics) can also lead to a potassium deficiency or a massive intake of salt. In addition, heavy sweating without subsequent intake of sufficient fluid and nutrients can lead to a lack of potassium, as the body dries out.
Dehydration of the body often affects elderly people who do not drink enough fluids, but also small children. They are therefore particularly at risk of developing a potassium deficiency. A slight potassium deficiency can be quickly compensated by a potassium-rich diet.
Vegetable foods in particular contain a lot of potassium. Food supplements containing potassium should not be consumed excessively to avoid an excess of potassium. This can have a similar effect to a potassium deficiency.
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