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Potassium is a really important element for your body, and helps nerves to fire. Without sufficient quantities of it (a condition called hypokalaemia) you can develop cardiac inexcitability, slow movement, alkalosis confusion, coma and possibly even death.
That said, the body needs to regulate potassium very tightly, as too much (hyperkalaemia) can cause a racing heart rate, muscle spasms, acidosis and also death.
The body is well adapted to dealing with excess potassium. Much of it is stored in muscle cells, red blood cells and liver cells.
The kidney deals with much of the excretion of excess potassium. However, if it's damaged (for example, in chronic kidney disease) it can't do this as effectively, and potassium can build up in the blood, which can cause some the effects described earlier. It's not the high potassium itself that's likely to be doing the damage to the kidney, more that damaged kidneys cannot process potassium.
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∙ 15y ago
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What happens if you consume too much or too little protein?
too much protein can cause strain on the kidneys too much protein can cause strain on the kidneys
What is Sympthom of too much potassium?
A symptom (sometimes misspelled as sympthom) of too much potassium is slow or abnormal heart rate. Too much potassium can also cause weakness.
How does potassium deficiency develop in the elderly?
Kidneys
Is it normal to have sore kidneys after drinking too much?
Yes
What is one very interesting fact about potassium?
While it is very important to the healthy functioning of the body, it is very important it is expelled from the body as too much can result in rapid heart rate and heart attacks. It is expelled by the kidneys so if you have kidney problems, you have to be very careful about Potassium consumption.
Which substance in the blood do the kidneys help regulate the concentration of?
Potassium
Kidneys help regulate the concentration of which substance in the blood?
potassium
Hyperkalemia occurs when a person consumes supplements with too much?
potassium
Why is potassium important in maintaining sinus rhythm?
it helps ir kidneys
What is the regulation of potassium balance?
Potassium balance is regulated by the kidneys, which adjust potassium excretion in response to changes in dietary intake or levels in the blood. Aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, also plays a key role in regulating potassium balance by increasing potassium secretion in the kidneys. Disruption in these regulatory mechanisms can lead to either hyperkalemia (high potassium) or hypokalemia (low potassium) in the body.
Is potassium needed in order to survive?
Potassium is a vital nutrient to our survival. Primarily it helps control blood pressure and heart function. Too much is bad as well as too little. A banana has a good deal of potassium in it.
Why do kidneys explode?
Your kidneys can only explode if you store too much water in them for too long because the water is putting pressure on your kidneys they cant take it anylonger and they explode you have to becareful because then you will have to have a transplant for 1 new kidney.
