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What organ produces potassium?

Healthy kidneys are often enough to regulate body potassium.

healthline.com - Potassium: Sources, Deficiencies, Overdose, Treatment & More

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. What is potassium? Potassium is a mineral found in the foods you eat. It’s also an electrolyte. Electrolytes conduct electrical impulses throughout the body. They assist in a range of essential body functions, including: blood pressure

normal water balance

muscle contractions

nerve impulses

digestion

heart rhythm

pH balance (acidity and alkalinity) Your body doesn’t produce potassium naturally. So, it’s important to consume the right balance of potassium-rich foods and beverages. Consuming too little potassium can lead to serious health issues. However, taking in too much can cause temporary or long-term health problems. Healthy kidneys maintain normal potassium levels in the body because they remove excess amounts through urine.

vegetables, such as leafy greens, carrots, and potatoes

lean meats

whole grains

beans and nuts Most people get enough potassium by eating a balanced diet. For low potassium levels, a doctor may prescribe the mineral in supplement form. If you have a severe deficiency, you may need intravenous (IV) treatment. Potassium deficiency Certain conditions can cause potassium deficiencies, or hypokalemia. These include: kidney disease

overuse of diuretics

excessive sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting

magnesium deficiency

use of antibiotics, such as carbenicillin and penicillin The symptoms of hypokalemia are different depending on how severe your deficiency is. A temporary decrease in potassium may not cause any symptoms. For example, if you sweat a lot from a hard workout, your potassium levels may normalize after eating a meal or drinking electrolytes before any damage is done. However, severe deficiencies can be life-threatening. Signs of a potassium deficiency include: extreme fatigue

muscle spasms, weakness, or cramping

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Spend time in sunlight. Vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin” because the sun is one of the best sources of this nutrient. ......

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irregular heartbeat

constipation, nausea, or vomiting Hypokalemia is usually diagnosed with a blood test. Your doctor may also order an electrocardiogram of your heart and an arterial blood gas test to measure pH levels in your body. Shop for potassium supplements. Potassium overdose Too much potassium can cause hyperkalemia. This is rare in people who eat balanced diets. Risk factors for overdose include: taking too many potassium supplements

kidney disease

prolonged exercise

cocaine use

potassium-conserving diuretics

chemotherapy

diabetes

severe burns The most obvious symptom of too much potassium is an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). Severe cases can lead to death. People with mild cases of high potassium rarely have noticeable symptoms. Your doctor should order occasional blood work if you have any risk factors. Treating imbalanced potassium levels There are different treatments for imbalanced potassium levels that depend on if your levels are too high or too low. Hypokalemia (low) Potassium supplements are usually the first course of action for levels that are too low. Supplements are mostly effective if your kidneys are in good shape. Severe hypokalemia may require IV treatment, especially if you’re experiencing an abnormal heartbeat. Potassium-sparing diuretics can rid the body of excess sodium. This will help normalize electrolyte levels. But, some diuretics and potassium supplements can be harsh on the digestive tract. Ask a doctor for wax-coated pills to help prevent digestive issues. Only people with normal kidney function can use potassium-sparing diuretics. Hyperkalemia (high) Mild cases of hyperkalemia can be treated with prescription medications that increase potassium excretion. Other methods include diuretics or an enema. Severe cases may require more complex treatments. Kidney dialysis can remove potassium. This treatment is the preferred for cases of kidney failure. For people with healthy kidneys, a doctor might recommend insulin and glucose. These help to transport potassium from the blood to cells for removal. An albuterol inhaler can also lower dangerously high levels. Calcium gluconate may be used temporarily to stabilize the heart and reduce the risk of serious heart complications from hyperkalemia.

healthline.com - Potassium: Sources, Deficiencies, Overdose, Treatment & More

Who should not have laser therapy?

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Should we not drink water after eating banana?

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