Top 10 Potassium Deficiency Symptoms Mostly Ignored
Potassium is an essential nutrient. Its primary role is to help maintain
normal levels of fluid inside our cells; and also plays a big part in muscle contraction,
regulating blood pressure, synthesizing proteins, and metabolizing carbohydrates. Potassium levels
may decline due to many reasons, but if the levels drop too low, it can cause serious health issues.
Now the question is, how to know; about the potassium levels of your body? Well,
for that, you have to understand the language of your body which is the signs and symptoms.
In today’s video, we will share with you the top 10 potassium deficiency symptoms mostly ignored.
#1. Muscle weakness Potassium deficiency
affects skeletal muscles most commonly, particularly those in the arms and legs,
leading to general muscle weakness and cramping. An individual loses small amounts of potassium
through sweating in hot climates or after intense physical activity.
Hypokalemia causes muscles to produce weaker contractions and may result in paralysis of the
bowel, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and mineral deficiencies (tetany). Many athletes
eat a banana or two just before starting their physical activities. Bananas are a rich source
of potassium that quickly increases its blood levels, preventing any potential leg cramping.
#2. Constipation Potassium has an
essential role in transmitting messages from the brain to the muscles, which causes muscle
contractions. The low levels of potassium; in your body can affect the intestinal muscles,
food passes through your gut very slowly, and as a result, you may develop constipation,
bloating, and nausea. Although lack of potassium is not the only cause of constipation,
it may; be the result of too much dietary fiber or dehydration. So it is always best to consult
with your physician first; before jumping to a conclusion and buying potassium supplements.
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#3. Depression Are you feeling depressed lately; it could
be due to low potassium levels. A study published in the journal Physiological Reports shows that
eating sodium-rich and low potassium foods results in depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It is
because; potassium is responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to other parts of the
body, and low blood potassium levels disrupt the signals that maintain optimal brain function,
which results in; confusion and depressed feelings. So next time when you are feeling down,
try eating a banana or some other potassium-rich food, and you could; see the results yourself.
#4. High Blood Pressure It is crucial to have a perfect
balance of electrolytes to maintain normal blood pressure. It is common knowledge that too much
sodium in the body can increase blood pressure, yet few know that too little potassium intake
can have the same effect. Potassium works to aid the process of filtration in your kidneys
and get rid of the excess sodium through urine. If there is a lack of potassium in the bloodstream,
the kidneys reabsorb sodium back into the blood. It will potentially lead to high
blood pressure over time. Potassium also relaxes the blood vessels, and if there is a deficiency,
the vessels become constricted, causing blood pressure to rise. So if you have
high blood pressure, don't forget to add potassium-rich foods to your diet.
Some foods with high potassium levels are spinach, bananas, avocado, beans, lentils,
and potatoes. Try adding them to your daily meals to maintain optimum potassium levels.
#5. Polyuria Polyuria is a condition where you have to
urinate more often than usual. Your kidneys are responsible for balancing the body’s fluid and
electrolyte levels and removing any waste through the urine. In the case of low potassium levels,
kidneys cannot concentrate urine and balance the blood's electrolyte levels properly;
This results in increased urination and increased thirst,
known as polydipsia. There will be a vicious cycle of more potassium loss with frequent urination.
In severe hypokalemic cases, intravenous (I/V) treatment may be; recommended
under strict monitoring due to the risk of; rebound high potassium, which can be fatal.
#6. Muscle Paralysis Severe hypokalemia is usually
associated with acute flaccid paralysis, ranging from mild muscle weakness to severe paralysis
due to weak to no muscle contractions. Early stages affect the arms and legs,
but cardiac or respiratory muscle involvement can result in life-threatening arrhythmia
or respiratory failure. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information,
the adequate intakes of potassium are 2,600 mg and 3,400 mg for women and men, respectively.
Some excellent sources of potassium are dried apricots, cooked lentils, cooked potato,
canned kidney beans, and orange juice, Just; to name a few. Plus, avoid caffeine or tobacco
after eating potassium-rich foods, as they reduce; the absorption of potassium in the body.
#7. Breathing Problems Breathing principally; requires using the
diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscular and membranous structure to help the lungs inhale and exhale
air. When blood potassium levels are low; and the diaphragm muscle is producing weaker contractions,
your lungs may not be able to expand and contract properly, resulting in shortness
of breath. If there is a severe lack of potassium, it can even be fatal since
the lungs may stop working. A study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases
found that people with low potassium levels were at a significantly higher risk of in-hospital
respiratory failure and the need for a ventilator compared to people with healthy potassium levels.
#8.Unexplained Fatigue, Weakness, and Tiredness Fatigue and tiredness could be due to different
reasons, including; a busy week or lack of sleep, but if everything is going well
and still you are feeling constantly tired, then it's time to check your potassium levels.
Low potassium levels can significantly affect a wide range of bodily functions. And can
lead to low energy levels and both physical and mental fatigue. Apart from muscle contraction,
hypokalemia may also affect how your body uses nutrients in a way that might result in fatigue.
For example, potassium deficiency could impair insulin production.
Studies showed that as a result, this could lead to high blood sugar levels and less available
glucose, which functions as energy for your cells. Health professionals can diagnose hypokalemia by
performing a simple blood test to determine a person's potassium levels. If required, some
additional electrolytes tests may be carried out, like levels of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
On the other hand, urine testing may also determine how much potassium is leaving the body.
#9. You Crave and Eat a Lot of Junk Food
A poor, unbalanced diet will end you up with a potassium deficiency. Most processed foods like
chips, frozen meals, and crackers are loaded; with sodium. The more sodium your body intakes,
the more potassium your body will excrete. You; should cut back on salt-rich items to retain more
of your dietary potassium. Treatment for potassium deficiency depends on an individual's symptoms
and the extent of how low the hypokalemia is. Eat more potassium-packed foods like yogurt, avocados,
sun-dried tomatoes, and sardines. Aim to have 2-4 potassium-rich foods daily, spread over 24 hours.
#10. Irregular Heart Rhythms Potassium plays a vital role in
maintaining healthy cardiac contractions because the flow of potassium in and out of heart cells
helps to regulate your heartbeat. Arrhythmia is a common complication of low potassium levels
and can cause a cardiac emergency, especially in individuals, with underlying heart issues.
Doctors perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart rhythms. You should seek
immediate medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your heart rate.
So keep checking these symptoms to maintain a healthy range of potassium in your body.
Very few people meet the daily recommended value for potassium. However, in most cases, potassium
deficiency is not caused by an unbalanced diet alone. Several other factors of hypokalemia
include fluid loss, malnutrition, shock, and certain medical conditions. The best way to avoid
potassium deficiency is by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, reducing the salt intake, and most
importantly, Do not; take any medication without a prescription, as they can affect the absorption
of potassium in the body and cause deficiency. If you are facing any of the above symptoms,
make sure to consult with your physician before starting a potassium-rich diet or supplement.
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