Question

Excessive potassium intake can cause the body to retain fluid.

Hint:

Eating foods rich in potassium (such as bananas, green leafy vegetables, and potatoes) helps flush excess sodium and fluid from the body, supporting healthy blood pressure.

Answer 1

Step 1: Analyzing Fluid Balance and Ions:
Fluid retention (edema) is regulated primarily by the balance of sodium ($Na^+$) and potassium ($K^+$) ions across cell membranes, governed by the sodium-potassium pump.

Step 2: Comparing Sodium and Potassium Functions:

• Sodium ($Na^+$) is the primary cation in extracellular fluid. It holds water through osmotic pressure. Excessive sodium intake (primarily from common table salt) increases extracellular volume, causing the body to retain fluid and raising blood pressure.
• Potassium ($K^+$) is the primary intracellular cation. It opposes the effects of sodium by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys (acting as a natural diuretic). This helps lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.

Step 3: Conclusion and Correction:
Therefore, the statement is False.
Corrected Statement: “Excessive sodium intake causes the body to retain fluid, whereas adequate potassium intake helps promote fluid excretion and reduces fluid retention.”