Why do our bodies need potassium as an electrolyte if we already have sodium which helps our body absorb water and ensures our muscles work?

Question

Why do our bodies need potassium as an electrolyte if we already have sodium which helps our body absorb water and ensures our muscles work?

In: 16

Answer 1

[Electrolytes](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes)

Potassium (+)

Your cells use potassium alongside sodium. When a sodium ion enters a cell, a potassium ion leaves, and vice versa. Potassium is also especially critical to your heart function. Too much or too little can cause serious heart problems.

Hyperkalemia (too much potassium): Weakness, inability to move muscles, confusion, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Hypokalemia (not enough potassium): Muscle weakness and cramps, feeling unusually thirsty and needing to pee frequently, dizziness or passing out when standing up too quickly. At higher levels, muscle tissue begins to break down (a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which can severely damage your kidneys) and heart arrhythmias become a serious threat.