What is potassium?
potassium is a mineral represented on the periodic table of elements with atomic number 19, identified with the symbol K. It is a soft metal found in the Earth's crust and in many foods and is generally necessary to maintain optimal health. This element isolated by Sir Humphry crowds in 1807 is usually extremely reactive when it comes into contact with water, causing rapid release of hydrogen. It is often combined with sodium or chloride to make it more stable and produce compounds found in items such as glass, soap and fertilizer.
properties
classified as an atom atom has potassium one electron in the farthest shell surrounding the core. The low ionization energy of this electron makes the element chemically reactive. There are three variants or isotopes, one of which falls apart that geologists can use them to determine the age of rocks.
The metal remains solid at room temperature and usually has a melting point of 146.3 ° F (63.5 ° C) and boils at 1,398.2 ° F (759 ° C). VillageIt occurs in a solid state and occurs naturally in the rock. It is the seventh most common on the planet, which represents 2.4% of the weight of the Earth's crust. It can be visually identified by a silver look and is usually soft enough to cut with a knife.
Importance for human health
Potassium is one of the most important nutrients and helps all organs, body tissues and cells to function properly. As an electrolyte, it is essential for the basic daily functioning of the body. Mineral also helps to regulate the water balance in each cell and beyond it, along with sodium. Je to důležité pro růst a kontrakce svalů, funkci nervových buněk a syntézu proteinů.
Common sources of this substance include:
- Grapes and other fruits that grow on the vines
- spinach and other leafy vegetables
- carrots
- potatoes
- Bananas
- nuts
- whole grains
- Fish
potassium levels in the body can have different health impacts. Some studies have shown that maintaining the right levels in the diet can improve bone health in elderly and can prevent conditions such as osteoporosis. In other studies, low levels correlated with high blood pressure. Supplements sometimes lower blood pressure, but perhaps only if there is a lack of mineral. Anyone who takes them to alleviate their health should consult a healthcare expert.
This mineral plays a role in cardiovascular health and seems to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke overall. Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are often associated with low mineral levels because they do not get properly absorbed. In addition to dietary sources, this can be used through accessories in Ule, powder or fluid cap.
deficiency
lack of this mineral can cause fatigue or muscle cramps but a serious NedThe remains or hypokalaemia can cause serious problems such as irregular heart function, nervous system damage and even death. This condition is usually caused by gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or vomiting, or using diuretics to treat other conditions. Since the mineral is regulated by the kidneys, the kidney condition can also affect how much it is in the body.
overdose
It is more unusual to have elevated potassium levels, called hyperkalaemia, because the kidneys are usually removed excessive amount and excrete urine. Hyperkalaemia will usually be caused by health, such as the main infection or kidney damage. Reduction of kidney efficiency with age combined with certain drugs, such as non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, can also lead to mineral accumulation.
Further use
In addition to the importance for human health, this mineral has many different industrial and production uses. Almost all mined potassium is used in fertilizer because it playsA key role in plants metabolism, water consumption and synthesis of starches and proteins. When plants grow in potassium -rich environment, they tend to provide greater harvest, become more resistant to drought and less susceptible to illness and produce better fruits and vegetables.
various forms of this mineral are also used in the production of solidified glass, soaps, industrial cleaners, flyflower paper and dyes, as well as in tanning skin, making salt replacement, flour treatment to make it stronger and in baking powder. In addition, it is used in the production of matches and explosives, such as fireworks, which serve as an oxidation substance. This means that it provides fireworks with enough oxygen to be able to burn sufficiently hot and fast enough to fly and explode. In addition, the inclusion of potassium gives fireworks violet pink color.
Safety measures
It is important when working with this substance to take safety measures as it can be exposed to water fromIt is very difficult to extinguish, because it is such a good oxidation. It can also cause extreme skin and eye irritation and can corrode tissue. It is important to avoid potassium without protective equipment, as well as inhalation or consumption of something of it, because it can seriously damage the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Repeated exposure, inhalation or consumption can cause death. From a medical point of view, this mineral interacts with several different types of drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, insulin, laxatives and inhibitors of the enzyme of angiotensin (ACE).
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