12 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Potassium

image

Low potassium is called hypokalemia. Some chronic conditions can cause low potassium levels. Potassium is a mineral which acts as an electrolyte. A person only needs to eat a small amount of potassium each day to maintain proper levels of the electrolyte in the body. It helps to create proper function in the muscular system, including maintaining healthy heart muscles. Potassium acts as a natural diuretic, which is absorbed during digestion and the excess is excreted to maintain a steady pH level. Potassium is necessary for your body because it works with sodium to maintain membrane potential.

Potassium Levels and Functions

Normal potassium level consider from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter, it is the ratio of potassium particles to fluid in your blood. If your potassium levels drop below 2.5 millimoles per liter, it can cause of death. Sodium and potassium in your cells exchange positions, which helps your heart beat, nerves transmit messages and muscles contract. To avoid deficiency, people older than age 14 should consume 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day.

There are numerous potassium deficiency symptoms. Usually only one or two potassium deficiency symptoms appear at one time at first, but as potassium level drops further, more symptoms will likely show.

12 Symptoms of Low Potassium level

Weakness, tiredness, and cramping
Tingling or numbness
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal cramping, bloating
Constipation
higher risk of kidney stones
Palpitations or Abnormal heart rhythms
Passing large amounts of urine or feeling thirsty most of the time
Fainting due to low blood pressure
depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion, or hallucinations

The best way to increase potassium in the body is through diet. Some foods rich in potassium include:

Avocados
Carrots
Cooked lean beef
Milk
Oranges
Baked potato
Bananas
Bran
Peanut butter
Peas and beans
Tomatoes
Wheat germ
Salmon
Seaweed
Spinach

Sources:

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000479.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/low_potassium_hypokalemia/page2.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/low_potassium/page3_em.htm

http://bembu.com/low-potassium-symptoms

mcshane