Potassium

Routine annual

also k

What it isPotassium is the primary positively charged ion inside cells. The body maintains a steep gradient — high inside, low outside — that powers nearly every electrical signal in the body.

DoesSets cell membrane resting potential, drives nerve and muscle (including cardiac), regulates blood pressure.

GoodMid-range potassium supports stable cardiac rhythm and normal nerve and muscle.

BadLow potassium (hypokalemia) causes muscle weakness, cramps, and dangerous arrhythmias. High potassium (hyperkalemia) can stop the heart.

Standard

3.5–5.3 mEq/L.

Optimal

4.0–4.7 mEq/L (narrow target)

Modifiers

Diuretics drop potassium; ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and kidney disease raise it; severe vomiting/diarrhea drops it.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: —
Diet: Potassium-rich whole foods: bananas, avocado, leafy greens, sweet potato, white beans, salmon, yogurt.
Supplements: Potassium citrate or chloride (200–400mg/day) only when truly low; avoid high-dose supplementation without monitoring.
Peptides: —
Drugs: Potassium replacement when low; treat underlying cause.

within Minerals