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 carbenoxolone
Profuse sweating over a period of several days can reduce stores of potassium
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.
For information on foods high in potassium, precautions and side effects, supplements, and recommended daily allowance, please click here.
We hope this web-page on potassium deficiency symptoms was useful to you.
To Your Health!
The Editors
Much more than Symptoms of Low Potassium can be found at our Foods High in Potassium web page
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