Hypomagnesemia/Hypokalemia/Potassium (High & Low)

[Guest guest]

CHECK FOR YOUR OWN METABOLIC IMBALANCE FOR MAGNESIUM AND

POTASSIUM...................

" Magnesium, the fourth most common cation in the body, has been the recent focus

of much clinical and scholarly interest. Previously underappreciated, this ion

is now established as a central electrolyte in a large number of cellular

metabolic reactions, including DNA and protein synthesis, neurotransmission, and

hormone-receptor binding. " It is a component of GTPase and a cofactor for Na+/K+

–ATPase, adenylate cyclase, and phosphofructokinase. Magnesium also is necessary

for the production of PARATHYROID HORMONE. Accordingly, magnesium deficiency has

an effect on multiple body functions. Magnesium is present in greatest

concentration within the cell and is the second most abundant intracellular

cation after POTASSIUM. The total body content of magnesium is 2000 mEq. The

intracellular concentration of magnesium is 40 mEq/L, while the serum

concentration is 1.5-2 mEq/L. Most of the body's magnesium is found in bone.

Only 1% of the total body magnesium is extracellular. Of this amount, one half

is ionized, and 25-30% is protein bound.

" Magnesium, a component of chlorophyll, is absorbed in the small bowel by active

and passive transport mechanisms. Absorption of dietary magnesium takes place

mainly in the ileum. It is excreted in stool and urine, but regulation of serum

magnesium is under renal control. Most renal reabsorption of magnesium occurs in

the proximal tubule and the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. In

hypomagnesemic patients, the kidney may excrete as little as 1 mEq/L of

magnesium. Additionally, magnesium may be removed from bone stores in times of

deficiency. "

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/767546-overview

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" Hypokalemia is a metabolic imbalance characterized by extremely LOW POTASSIUM

LEVELS IN THE BLOOD. It is a symptom of another disease or condition, or a side

effect of diuretic drugs. The body needs potassium for the contraction of

muscles (including the heart), and for the functioning of many complicated

proteins (enzymes). Potassium is found primarily in the skeletal muscle and

bone, and participates with sodium to contribute to the normal flow of body

fluids between the cells in the body. The normal concentration of potassium in

the body is regulated by the kidneys through the excretion of urine. When the

kidneys are functioning normally, the amount of potassium in the diet is

sufficient for use by the body and the excess is usually excreted through urine

and sweat. Body chemicals and hormones such as aldosterone also regulate

potassium balance. Secretion of the hormone insulin, which is normally

stimulated by food, prevents a temporary diet-induced HYPOKALEMIA by increasing

cell absorption of potassium. When Hypokalemia occurs, there is an imbalance

resulting from a dysfunction in this normal process, or the rapid loss of urine

or sweat without replacement of sufficient potassium. "

http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-center/hypokalemia.aspx

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" The first generic versions of two drugs to treat high blood pressure, Cozaar

(losartan potassium) and Hyzaar (losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide),

have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The generic

versions will carry the same label warnings that they should not be used by

pregnant women during their second or third trimesters, the agency said in a

news release. The brand-name versions of both drugs are manufactured by Merck &

Co. Licenses to produce generics of one or both medications were granted to a

number of firms, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Roxane

Laboratories and Torrent Pharmaceuticals, the FDA said. "

http://tinyurl.com/2g4l9p8

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" A potassium test checks how much potassium is in the blood. Potassium is both

an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid

inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body.

Potassium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. Potassium levels

often change with sodium levels. WHEN SODIUM LEVELS GO UP, POTASSIUM LEVELS GO

DOWN, and when sodium levels go down, potassium levels go up. Potassium levels

are also affected by a HORMONE CALLED ALDOSTERONE, which is made by the adrenal

glands.

" Potassium levels can be affected by how the kidneys are working, the blood pH,

the amount of potassium you eat, the hormone levels in your body, severe

vomiting, and taking certain medicines, including potassium supplements. CERTAIN

CANCER TREATMENTS THAT DESTROY CANCER CELLS CAN ALSO MAKE POTASSIUM LEVELS

HIGH.

" Many foods are rich in potassium, including scallops, potatoes, figs, bananas,

prune juice, orange juice, and squash. A balanced diet has enough potassium for

the body's needs. But potassium is passed in the urine even if the level in the

blood is low so the level of potassium in the body can get lower. A POTASSIUM

LEVEL THAT IS TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW CAN BE SERIOUS. Abnormal potassium levels may

cause symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent

urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, irritability, paralysis,

and changes in heart rhythm. Other electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium,

chloride, magnesium, and phosphate, may be checked in a blood sample at the same

time as a blood test for potassium. "

http://tinyurl.com/2gyadud

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FYI,

Lottie Duthu