What are the roles of potassium in the human body?

Jun 05, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, potassium plays important roles in the human body, including participating in cellular metabolism, maintaining nerve and muscle excitability, regulating acid-base balance, lowering blood pressure, and supporting myocardial function. If potassium deficiency is suspected, prompt medical attention is recommended. Both excessively high and low levels of potassium can have serious effects on the body; therefore, it is advisable to maintain healthy eating habits in daily life.

Under normal circumstances, potassium plays several important roles in the human body, including participating in cellular metabolism, maintaining nerve and muscle excitability, regulating the body's acid-base balance, lowering blood pressure, and supporting myocardial function. If potassium deficiency is suspected, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Specific functions are as follows:

1. Participation in cellular metabolism

The synthesis of glycogen and proteins requires potassium, which primarily participates in cellular metabolic processes.

2. Maintenance of nerve and muscle excitability

Potassium enables muscle excitation and contraction. Patients with low potassium levels may experience symptoms such as weakness in the limbs and difficulty breathing.

3. Regulation of the body's acid-base balance

Disruptions in the body's potassium levels can affect the acid-base balance inside and outside of cells.

4. Lowering blood pressure

Blood pressure is negatively correlated with intracellular ion concentrations. Supplementing potassium can help reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

5. Maintenance of myocardial function

The concentration of potassium inside and outside cardiac muscle cells is closely related to myocardial automaticity, conductivity, and excitability. Maintaining normal potassium levels helps ensure proper heart muscle function.

Both excessively high and low potassium levels can have serious effects on the body. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain healthy eating habits in daily life and avoid being a picky eater.

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What is the recommended ratio for potassium permanganate sitz bath?

The standard dilution ratio for potassium permanganate sitz bath is 1:5,000, meaning 1 gram of potassium permanganate powder should be dissolved in 5,000 milliliters of warm water. The solution should appear light pink when properly mixed. This concentration ensures effective disinfection while minimizing irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. If a higher concentration causes burns or if allergic reactions occur, medical attention is recommended promptly.

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Is it effective to use potassium permanganate sitz baths for perianal abscess?

If an anal abscess is in the early inflammatory stage, with only local redness, swelling, and pain but no pus formation yet, soaking in diluted potassium permanganate solution can be beneficial. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of potassium permanganate help cleanse the perianal skin, reduce bacterial growth, alleviate redness, swelling, and pain, and promote local blood circulation to facilitate absorption of inflammation. As an adjunctive care measure, it can be somewhat effective.