Three sodium ions are pumped out for every two potassium ions pumped in. But Americans actually get about twice as much sodium, and this imbalance is believed to be a major factor in hypertension and other heart problems.Īn enzyme-based transport mechanism known as the potassium-sodium pump is charged with the duty of moving potassium and sodium in opposite directions across cell membranes. Ideally, a person should consume more potassium than sodium (some experts recommend a 5:1 ratio). One major benefit from consuming more potassium, according to the report, is to blunt the effect of too much sodium, another important electrolyte. The Institute of Medicine, in a recent report, recommended intake of 4.7 grams a day, but most American adults consume less than half that amount.and African Americans even less. Most Americans, however, do not consume as much potassium as they should. You’re also susceptible if you’ve had bariatric surgery or take medications such as some diuretics. And you should not take potassium supplements on your own without first talking to your doctor since having too much potassium can be as dangerous as having too little.Ī dangerously low level of potassium (known as hypokalemia) is rarely caused by diet alone unless you have anorexia, bulimia, alcoholism or a kidney disorder. The good news is that it’s easy to get the potassium you need just by eating a balanced diet. And a large meta-analysis published in 2011 concluded that increasing potassium intake by 1.64 grams a day could result in 1.15 million fewer stroke deaths a year worldwide while also reducing the risk of heart disease. When there is insufficient potassium, nerves and muscles fail to function as they should, and the heart (the body’s most important muscle) may lose its ability to stay in normal rhythm.Ībout one of every five Americans admitted to a hospital has a potassium deficiency. The mineral plays a role in the storage of carbohydrates in the muscles for endurance activities, and it helps regulate the body’s fluid balance and blood pressure. But they are also obtained from regular foods.īoth nerves and muscles need a good supply of potassium. You may have heard of electrolytes through sports drinks designed to replenish electrolytes used up during vigorous exercise. When dissolved in water, electrolytes conduct electricity needed for nerves and muscles to do their work. Potassium is an important mineral, one of a class known as electrolytes. 20+ handmade levels, each with their own story.Bananas, tomatoes, oranges, cantaloupe, peaches, spinach, Swiss chard, lima beans, potatoes–these are some of the world’s healthiest foods, in part because they are excellent sources of potassium.Rhythm Doctor is designed to make you learn music and rhythm theory without even realising it!

But beware - every patient has unique illnesses based on complex music theory: polyrhythms, hemiolas, irregular time signatures.if you don't know what they mean, don't worry.

Slam your spacebar in perfect time on the 7th beat, and they might just come out okay. Rhythm Doctor is a rhythm game in a world where defibrillating patients' hearts in sync with their heartbeats has healing properties.

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