Normal
Potassium Levels
Having normal potassium levels and later on going too low or too high
can cause a
variety of health problems that can be serious and even dangerous;
however, it should be noted that the right amount of potassium is
relevant for the functioning of the body.
Potassium is one of those minerals that our bodies need to work
properly. Most of it is found in the cells and
the mineral is needed to keep your muscles, heart and nerves responding
properly.
The majority of people are able to maintain
normal potassium levels through the food that they eat without the need
for
supplements or other measures.
Regularly potassium levels are 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents
per liter or mEq/L.
When you go to your doctor and takes blood samples one of the things to
test is your potassium level. In most cases, these levels are
well within normal range for several reasons. First because potassium
is available in several foods we eat, particularly fruits and
vegetables. Many common vegetables and fruits have at least some
potassium so most diets have sufficient. In addition if your kidneys
are healthy they regulate the potassium, naturally getting rid of the
excess in the
system.
In the majority of the cases a person with no kidney malfunction who
eats a healthy diet has little to worry about in terms of
their
potassium.
However, there are some things that can throw potassium
levels off
balance even in people who are generally healthy:
- Don't take a potassium supplement unless your doctor tells you to.
While our kidneys do a great job of removing excess potassium from our
bodies there is simply no reason to force the kidneys to overwork to
get rid of something your body has plenty of without supplements.
- Excessive laxatives and the too frequent use of colon cleansers can
rob
your body of its potassium leaving you with weak
muscles, cramps and more serious problems. Generally your body
functions well on its own and does not need you to treat it with
excessive laxatives or colon cleaners.
There are other things which could affect your normal potassium levels
but, in most cases regular checkups with your doctor will help to avoid
any problems in this area.
- Maintaining a reasonable diet and not using
potassium supplements or products that can take a huge toll on your
potassium level is the best way of ensuring that your potassium levels
are normal.
If you are worried that you are not getting the proper amount of
potassium check with your doctor and eat a healthy diet. Chances are
that unless you have some actual analysis that indicate either high or
low
potassium levels you are fine and the doctor can reassure you.
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