What Is the Function of Potassium in Humans?

Muscles and Nerves

After a long workout, your body needs to replenish electrolytes, substances that conduct electrical currents in your body. Potassium is an electrolyte needed for nerve function and contraction of your skeletal muscles, heart and stomach. Vomiting, excessive use of diuretics and eating disorders can cause low potassium levels, leading to irregular heart beat, muscle spasms and temporary paralysis.

Blood Pressure

A balance of sodium and potassium in your body promotes electrical activity and water balance. Your body spends 20 to 40 percent of its resting energy maintaining sodium and potassium balance in your cells. You feel bloated after a salty meal, because sodium makes the body retain water. Extra fluid in your blood increases your blood pressure and forces your heart to pump harder. To maintain healthy blood pressure, eat plenty of potassium-rich foods and eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.

Other Functions

Enzymes in your body need potassium to convert the carbohydrates you eat into energy. Potassium also facilitates healthy growth and repair of body tissues and creates protein that builds muscles. One sign of low potassium in the body is muscle damage and weakness.

Tips

For good health, eat 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium. These include bananas, root vegetables, citrus fruits, dark leafy greens and vine fruits, such as grapes and blackberries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends eating 1 1/2 cups of fruits and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables each day. Milk and yogurt are also excellent sources of potassium. For good health, have 3 cups of dairy each day.