How Important Is Potassium To The Human Body?

6

6 Answers

Steve Theunissen Profile
You need some potassium every day. This is because the human body does not store it as it does other minerals, and potassium is essential for the body's cells to live. We are told that when the potassium content of the cells becomes low, sodium intrudes from the fluid around the cells. This changes the acid-alkali balance in the cells, bringing about a toxic condition, which can lead to death.
Another reason why potassium is essential is that it plays a leading role in the utilization of proteins and carbohydrates. Potassium is also an essential for muscular activity, particularly so for that tireless muscle, the heart.
If you do not get enough potassium, you may suffer from weakness of muscles, poor reflexes, back pain, headaches, constipation or sleeplessness. You may also find yourself subject to such states as apathy, listlessness, depression or mental confusion, not to say anything about a heart attack. All such states could be due to insufficient potassium. In fact, specialists tell us that potassium deficiency has been found to be far more common than it was once thought.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
In order for the human body to run efficiently and smoothly the presence of potassium is extremely important. Being one of the electrolytes it constitutes of more than seventy percent of positive ions inside cells and is one of the richest minerals found in the body.

By a process of passive dispersion, potassium is spread to the cells in the body and together with sodium it makes a mixture which is very important for the balance of the body. Deficiency of either of these can create problems in a human being which will need to be treated.

For normal cell respiration the presence of potassium is very important other wise a deficiency can cause extreme low levels of oxygen thus resulting in the decrease in the efficiency of cell function. A good amount of potassium is also required for regulating normal heart beat, ease normal muscle contraction and control the transfer of nutrients to cells.

The most important use of potassium in a human body is to regulate the process of nerve transmission as it acts one of the main channels for the opening of enzyme systems. It also helps in treating alcoholic people, removing allergies, curing burns and preventing high blood pressure. People with heart failures are also treated with potassium however the in take should be first prescribed by a proper doctor after examination.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Regulate the process of nerve transmission
Bill Burns Profile
Bill Burns answered
Potassium is essential for kidney health and cardiovascular activity.  It is responsible for communication between cells.  There is a careful balance of potassium and sodium that must exist for the muscles to work well and for electric signals to be communicated between cells. The following potassium article explains in depth information about the role of potassium in our bodies.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I need this answer to be actual true because like, I have a science assignment due tomorrow and this is the question.
Btw, I'm year 8

Answer Question

Anonymous