Potassium
Tatum Smidovec
Potassium
The 19th element and is grouped in the first group which is considered to be an Alkali Metal, along with hydrogen, lithium, sodium, rubidium, cesium and francium. They are among the most active elements on the periodic table.
Discovery
Potassium was discovered by Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, he isolated the element by the electrolysis of very dry molten caustic potash. Potassium's name comes from the English name potash.
Health Effects
- Potassium can benefit you in many ways such as relief from stroke, by keeping your brain in normal function and allows more oxygen to reach your brain. Whenever your body has a lot of potassium in it your blood vessels begin to relax which helps the blood flow easier. This helps your blood from clotting, which causes a stroke.
- Potassium also benefits your body by keeping your blood pressure low. If your blood pressure decreases you are more likely to sweat, have headaches, etc. Potassium helps with muscle disorders, potassium helps with the contraction and relaxation of your muscles.
- The most important use of potassium is to treat the symptoms of hypokalemia (low potassium).
- Studies show a positive link between a diet rich in potassium and bone health, particularly among elderly women. This suggests that increasing consumption of foods rich in potassium may play a role in preventing osteoporosis.
Potassium in food:
Side Effects
Too much potassium can also harm your body, patients with kidney issues sometimes have issues with properly processing potassium. This can lead to things such as: heart disease, muscle paralysis, trouble breathing, tingling in the hands and feet, heart arrythmia and nausea.
Isotope
Potassium isotopes occurs naturally in three different isotopes. Potassium-40, potassium-41, and Potassium -39. Potassium-40 is very radioactive and is the most common isotope. A radioactive isotopes breaks off and gives of some form of radiation.
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