|
|
|
Potassium
Deficiency
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.
Causes of
Potassium Deficiency
|
|
|
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.
Contributing Author: Deepti
Varshney rite2deepti@yahoo.com
Freelance Health / Nutrition Writers, Web Content Writing Services, India
|
|
|
|
