Symptoms of Low Potassium
Potassium Deficiency Symptoms and Signs
Indeed, knowing the symptoms of low potassium can help you make informed decisions about your health.
However, before we delve into potassium deficiency symptoms, let's briefly discuss what it does to help us maintain vibrant heath.
Potassium is a mineral that harbors electrical properties when it is dissolved in the fluid part of the blood and, as such, it is classified as an electrolyte. It is a nutrient that is critical to life as it is required for the proper functioning of cells, including the cells of the heart muscle. It works closely with its cousin sodium - another electrolyte – in maintaining the body's proper balance of fluids and acid-base. More specifically, potassium controls the amount of fluid inside cells while its cousin sodium maintains the balance of fluid outside cells.
Potassium aids in proper muscle contraction and helps to keep the heart thumping regularly. It is also essential for conducting nerve impulses, aids in energy metabolism, and it even helps to maintain normal blood pressure. In fact, evidence suggests that diets high in potassium may help to protect against hypertension, strokes, and cardiovascular disease.
Lastly, potassium regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes, but this function has been shown to decrease with age.
Symptoms of Low Potassium
The following are potassium deficiency symptoms and signs:
•Muscle Cramps
•Muscle Fatigue and Weakness
•Irregular Heartbeat
•Fatigue
•Mental Confusion
•Irritability
•Abnormally Dry Skin
•Insatiable Thirst
•Chills
•Depression
•Nausea and Vomiting
•Nervousness
•Insomnia
•Diarrhea
•Low Blood Pressure
•Periodic Headaches
•Salt Retention
•Constipation
•High Cholesterol Levels
•Glucose Intolerance
•Impaired Growth
•Edema
•Extreme cases, cardiac arrest
Symptoms of Low Potassium
Who's at Risk?
The following people should pay very close attention to their potassium levels and be aware of potassium deficiency symptoms. Some of the causes of potassium deficiency include:
•Certain diuretics
•Long-term therapy with corticosteroids and adrenal hormones
•High sodium diets and low in fruits and vegetables
•Prolonged fasting
•Bizarre diets
•Seniors
•Excessive intake of licorice over prolonged periods
•Excessive intake of carbenoxolone
•Profuse sweating over a period of several days can reduce stores of potassium or excessive vomiting
•Excessive use of laxatives
Symptoms of Low Potassium: Health Conditions at Risk?
The following health conditions can cause a potassium deficiency. As such, one should also be aware of potassium deficiency symptoms.
•Anorexia
•Nervosa
•Alcoholism
•Malnutrition
•Cystic Fibrosis
•Kidney Disease
•Heart Disease
•Diabetes
•Cushing’s Syndrome
•Surgical Operations Involving the Bowel
•Extensive Burns and Injuries
•Chronic Diarrhea
•Persistent Vomiting
•Influenza
•Chronic Respiratory Failure
•Anemia
•Ulcerative Colitis
•Inflammatory Bowel Disease
•Excessive Excretion of Aldosterone
Should you be concerned about the symptoms of low potassium, it's important that you consult with a qualified health care provider.
Natural Sources of Potassium
Potato, winter squash, tomato, celery, carrots, broccoli, watercress, avocado, banana, oranges, orange juice, raisins, watermelon, cantaloupe, prunes, fish, lamb, bran cereal, wheat flakes cereal, yogurt, milk, salt substitutes and sunflower seeds
If you are pregnant, try to get extra potassium from the foods, not supplements unless directed by your physician.
Potassium is a recommended supplement on the HCG diet because low-carb, low-calorie diets may cause increased excretion of potassium. Symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps, constipation and extreme fatigue. Many physician have written books on low-carb diets and states that you tend to urinate more on low-carb diets due to the fact that your kidneys tend to flush fluids that accumulate when insulin is high and the diuretic effect often leads to low potassium. Please Note: If you have a pre-existing health condition and/or are taking any prescriptions or medications for blood pressure, headaches, migraines, water or fluid retention, or for your heart, check with your doctor before taking potassium.
Readers should not use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, but should always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any major dietary changes. This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice.
