Biological Importance of Sodium and Potassium: Causes, Treatment

Introduction

An average 70 kg human has roughly 90 g of sodium and 170 g of potassium, compared to only 5 g of iron and 0.06 g of copper. Potassium ions are more abundant inside cells than sodium ions, and they can also be found outside the cell in blood plasma.

The transport of sodium ions into cells is favoured because of the substantial concentration gradient inside and outside the cells. To maintain the concentration gradient, a significant driving force is used to pump these ions out of the cell again. ATP molecules provide the required energy for this process. Thus, living organisms require both sodium and potassium ions.

Sodium is one of the important electrolytes. It helps in regulating the electrolyte balance in the human body. Sodium is a very important source to maintain the proper functioning of neurons and muscles. 

Potassium is also an important mineral that your body requires in order to function correctly. It helps the regulation of nerves and the contraction of muscles.  And also, maintenance of a steady heartbeat.

Moving sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane is an active transport mechanism that requires ATP hydrolysis to provide the necessary energy.  Na+ / K+-ATPase is one of the enzymes involved. The large excess of Na+ ions outside the cell and the big excess of K+ ions inside the cell are maintained by this process. 

It accomplishes the transfer of three Na+ ions to the cell’s exterior and two K+ ions to the cell’s interior. The separation of charge across the membrane is facilitated by this imbalanced charge transfer. The sodium-potassium pump contributes significantly to the action potential generated by nerve cells. This pump is known as a P-type ion pump because ATP interacts with the transport protein, causing it to phosphorylate and change its shape.

 Importance of sodium:

• Sodium ions are found mostly inside human cells, such as nerve cells
• They control how much water passes through the membrane
• They are required for sugar and amino acid transport into cells
• The electrolyte equilibrium in the body is maintained by sodium

Hyponatremia is a condition in which sodium levels in the blood are abnormally low. Lethargy, disorientation, and exhaustion are some of the symptoms. It can be caused by underlying illnesses like kidney failure, as well as other factors such as excessive water consumption or the use of certain drugs.

Importance of potassium:

• Potassium ions are found mostly inside cells
• These ions are majorly involving the osmolarity of the cell
• Certain enzymes, such as pyruvate kinase, require potassium ions as a cofactor
• Potassium is required for heart function, as well as skeletal and muscular contractions
• It keeps the body’s electrolyte balance in check

Low potassium levels in the living organisms can be caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, and also cause muscles to become weak, cramp, twitch, or even paralysed, as well as irregular heart rhythms.

Electrolytes like potassium and sodium help your body maintain fluid and blood volume so it can function normally. Consuming too little potassium and too much sodium, on the other hand, might elevate blood pressure. 

Despite the fact that the terms “salt” and “sodium” are frequently used interchangeably, they do not have the same meaning. The major resource of the sodium element is the salt and it is a naturally occurring crystal-like substance. 

Potassium can be found in a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, shellfish, and dairy products. The majority of salt consumed in the United States is found in packaged, processed, store-bought, and restaurant foods. 3Salt added during cooking or at the table accounts for only a minor portion of the total.

Low sodium potassium treatment

If the imbalances of sodium and potassium ions are low it can be resolved by the intake of diet. For example, you should consume a potassium-rich diet if you have low potassium levels, and you should limit your water intake if you have low blood sodium levels.

We should intake rich potassium and sodium foods like bananas, avocados , sweet potatoes, yams, beans and white potatoes. 

Maintaining a broad healthy diet is the greatest way to ensure you obtain a variety of minerals and electrolytes in sufficient amounts. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, low-fat protein, and dairy products are all recommended.