How to determine the amount of potassium in the human body

Signs of excess potassium

Not only a lack of potassium, but also too much potassium is dangerous.

Symptoms resemble microelement deficiency, so it is advisable to get tested

In such cases, the following symptoms occur

:

• increased excitability of the nervous system, irritability, anxiety;
• sweating;
• weakness;
• cardiopsychoneurosis;
• intestinal colic;
• frequent urination.

A healthy person should not worry about a possible overdose. Normally, excess microelement is excreted through the kidneys.

If a person is diagnosed with hyperkalemia, he is sent for examination.

The causes of excess potassium are

:

• renal failure;
• hemolytic anemia;
• malignant tumors;
• dehydration;
• anaphylactic shock;
• hypofunction of the adrenal cortex (Addison's disease).

If potassium levels are elevated, it is recommended to limit potassium-rich foods.

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Blood calcium is elevated, other tests have been taken - how to decipher them?

Of course, deciphering a blood test is the prerogative of the attending endocrinologist, and independent study of one’s blood test can lead the patient to diagnostic errors, however, within the framework of this article, we will give some information about the possible results of a laboratory examination for elevated blood calcium. Use the information obtained with caution and remember that it is not a substitute for consultation with a medical specialist.

So, possible options for laboratory results and their interpretation.

Blood calcium is increased, parathyroid hormone is increased, phosphorus is decreased, calcitonin is normal, calcium in daily urine is increased

– most likely, we are talking about primary hyperparathyroidism and the presence of a parathyroid adenoma. Additional examination is necessary using ultrasound of the thyroid gland and neck, scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands with technetril, and in some cases, computed tomography of the neck. It is treated surgically (endoscopic surgery through an incision about 2 cm long is possible in a specialized center).

Parathyroid hormone is elevated, calcium is normal, phosphorus is normal, calcitonin is normal

– with a high degree of probability we are talking about secondary hyperparathyroidism due to a banal deficiency of vitamin D in the blood. It is treated by taking vitamin D and calcium. It is important to exclude a laboratory error associated with an underestimation of the level of ionized calcium in the blood (it is better to retake the test for ionized calcium in a specialized laboratory of the endocrinology center).

Calcium in the blood is increased, parathyroid hormone is normal, phosphorus is normal, calcitonin is normal

– a neuroendocrine tumor that produces PTH-like peptides or forms lytic metastases in the bone should be suspected. Examination and treatment depend on the type of tumor detected.

High calcium in the blood (usually slightly increased calcium is observed), parathyroid hormone is moderately increased, phosphorus is normal, calcitonin is normal, calcium concentration in daily urine is reduced

– we can talk about a rare familial disease, the so-called familial benign hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. This disease is accompanied by a change in the sensitivity of cellular receptors to parathyroid hormone and impaired calcium excretion in the urine. Does not require treatment and is not dangerous. Often, inexperienced doctors diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism in such cases and refer the patient to unnecessary surgery to remove a non-existent parathyroid adenoma.

Ionized calcium is increased, total calcium is normal, parathyroid hormone is increased

– we are usually talking about parathyroid adenoma.

Ionized calcium is elevated, total calcium is below normal

– laboratory error must be excluded. The analysis should be re-taken in a specialized laboratory.

Ionized calcium in the blood is increased, parathyroid hormone is increased, calcitonin is increased

– the patient should be suspected of having both a parathyroid adenoma and medullary thyroid cancer. Together, these two diseases indicate a high probability that the patient has type IIA multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome - a rare hereditary pathology transmitted in the family and leading to the development of three dangerous tumors: medullary thyroid cancer, parathyroid adenomas (usually multiple), pheochromocytoma (tumor adrenal gland, which produces adrenaline or norepinephrine). Urgent consultation with an endocrinologist or endocrinologist surgeon is required!

Calcium in the blood is elevated during the first test, I want to retake the test - what is the best way to do this?

If you want to check whether your blood calcium is really elevated and are going to take a second blood test, follow some important rules that will help the second test be as accurate as possible:

1. a blood test should be taken only in a specialized laboratory using high-quality equipment;

2. a blood test must be taken only on an empty stomach;

3. if you are taking vitamin D or calcium supplements (or combination medications with vitamin D and calcium), stop them at least 2-3 days before your blood test; the entry of calcium from the drug into the blood can lead to an increased calcium level in the blood - of course, in this case a falsely elevated calcium is detected.

Indications for testing potassium levels

Potassium functions as an immunomodulator, resists hypoxia, and lowers blood pressure. A deficiency of a microelement provokes a malfunction of almost all internal organs; an excess leads to cardiac arrest.

A potassium test is necessary for all patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, when taking antitumor or anti-inflammatory drugs. Indications for taking a test for potassium in the blood are: kidney pathologies of various origins, adrenal insufficiency, hypertension, arrhythmia. Monitoring the level of microelement is mandatory when undergoing hemodialysis, treatment with cardiac glycosides and diuretics.

How to determine the level of potassium in the body

Today you can independently determine the level of potassium in the body by passing a special test developed by a group of doctors and scientists under the leadership of Professor Olga Gromova.
How to do it:

• answer the test questions, identify the signs from column 1;
• write the value of this characteristic in column 3;
• multiply the value in column 2 by the value in column 3 and write the total in column 4;
• add the results of each row of column 4;
• add 71 to the resulting total

If the calculated potassium level is at the lower limit or below normal (70–120 mmol/l), you need to consult a doctor to find out the causes of potassium deficiency and replenish it.

What prevents it from being absorbed?

Maintaining a stable internal environment in the body mainly depends on the balance of potassium and sodium, so a deficiency of the former can be caused by excess consumption of the latter. As a rule, potassium deficiency due to an excess of sodium
develops in those who like to heavily salt their food and consume large amounts of canned food, smoked meats and pickles.
Potassium is excreted from the body during intense physical exertion, in hot climates and during profuse sweating during illness. Potassium is also actively excreted
with the constant use of laxatives and diuretics, including in weight loss medications. Potassium balance should be monitored by those who take hormonal medications or adhere to a strict diet. Alcohol consumption or a lack of magnesium in the body greatly harms potassium absorption.

What foods contain potassium?

All products containing potassium (K) are usually classified taking into account the concentration of this useful mineral in them:

• low-potassium (100 mg of component per 100 g of product);
• with an average potassium content (150-200 mg per 100 g);
• with a high potassium content (260-400 mg per 100 g);
• saturated with potassium (more than 400 mg per 100 g).

Plant sources of potassium

Products of plant origin are a real storehouse of useful potassium compounds. Among them there is a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and berries containing this mineral.

For example, potassium in fruits is perfectly absorbed, since the combination of glucose and insulin is very effective, which promotes the transfer of potassium into cells.

Vegetables and fruits contain a lot of potassium and little sodium.

Potassium content in nuts and seeds:

Potassium content in cereals and grain products:

Potassium content in legumes:

Potassium content in fruits, berries, dried fruits:

Potassium content in vegetables and herbs:

Animal products containing potassium

Do not neglect animal products - they also contain potassium reserves.

Potassium content in meat, fish and seafood:

Potassium content in dairy products and egg products:

Among all the listed products, we will highlight the TOP products in terms of potassium content, availability, ease of preparation and absorption by the body. Food products containing potassium in large quantities

1. Potato

   One medium potato contains 900 mg of potassium. By eating just one potato as a side dish for lunch, you can get a little more than 1/5 of your daily potassium requirement. To absorb potassium, give preference to baked potatoes.

   Potatoes also contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and fiber (especially in the skin). When cooled, potato starch nourishes beneficial intestinal microflora.

2. Sun-dried tomatoes

   Fresh tomatoes also contain potassium. But there is much more of it in dried tomatoes or tomato paste. It is better to prepare these products yourself or choose them in a store with a good composition - without added sugar and preservatives.

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   A cup of these tomatoes contains 1,800 mg of potassium, which is about 40% of the daily recommended amount.

   In addition, tomatoes contain a lot of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, improve the digestive and immune system and are good for the heart.

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3. Beans

   Red and white beans are equally beneficial for the body. One cup of red beans contains 600 mg, white beans - 1,000 mg. Beans are high in fiber, protein and iron. It can be added to soups and salads.

4. Dried apricots

   The concentration of nutrients contained in fresh apricots increases when dried. Therefore, 100 grams of dried apricot contains 1.162 mg of potassium.

5. Prunes

   In addition to potassium (686 mg in ½ cup), prunes contain vitamins B1, B2, C, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.

6. Avocado

   One avocado contains approximately 975 mg of potassium, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, various vitamins and healthy fats, which are so important for heart health and good skin condition.

7. Salmon

   In 100 grams you can find 420 mg of potassium - this is more than in any other fish. In addition, red fish is rich in omega-3 and vitamin D.

8. Spinach

   An excellent side dish for fish and meat dishes, as well as a frequent ingredient in the most delicious smoothies, it contains 774 mg of potassium per 100 grams.

9. Pumpkin

   There are many varieties of pumpkin, and the amount of potassium depends on this. For example, 100 grams of cooked acorn squash contains 437 mg, and winter squash contains 448 mg.

10. Oranges

    In addition to vitamin C and B vitamins, folic acid, oranges also contain potassium. With one glass of juice you will get about 473 mg of potassium.