Low Potassium Levels- Causes and Symptoms

Potassium is an important mineral found in the body, of which nearly 98% is found in the cells. Any changes in the level, outside the cells, has a direct bearing on the potassium levels inside the cells. This mineral is essential for muscle contraction and regulating the blood pressure by the heart muscles.

The normal potassium level in a healthy individual should range between 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter of blood). Low potassium is defined as a level below 3.5 mEq/L. The kidneys balance the potassium level in the body by removing the excess through urination.

✓ There are numerous causes of low potassium in the body. Among them, the major cause is related to the kidneys. As it is the kidney that regulates the levels of potassium in the body, any kidney disorder such as renal tubular acidosis or kidney failure can affect the levels of this mineral in the cells.

✓ A lower level of magnesium is known to lower the levels of potassium. Potassium levels are also lowered due to stomach and intestine disorders. Excessive use of diuretics, enemas or laxatives, diarrhea, vomiting, or any operation performed on the stomach or intestines can cause the potassium levels to drop.

✓ The use of insulin and some metabolic and infection-related treatment that shifts the potassium across the cells can affect the concentration of potassium (by lowering it). Malnutrition, excessive sweating, and a diet poor in potassium also lowers its level in the body.

✓ Low potassium levels in the blood, also known as hypokalemia, can make the person weak, as the cellular processes of the muscles, heart, and nerves get impaired. The signs and symptoms are mostly mild until the levels drop significantly.

✓ The symptoms exhibit themselves in a combination of more than two problems. They usually involve complications in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidneys, muscles, heart, and nerves.

✓ The most common indicants are weakness, a constant feeling of fatigue, cramping, and tingling or numbing sensation in the muscles. Constipation, passing urine very frequently, nausea, vomiting, bloating in the stomach, dizziness caused due to low blood pressure, palpitations, and in very rare and extreme cases, depression, confusion, or hallucinations.

Monitoring the potassium diet is the easiest way to normalize the low levels. In this, an intake of foods rich in potassium is suggested. Potassium-enriched foods include the following.

Fruits

• Bananas
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Kiwi
• Avocados
• Apricots
• Cantaloupes

Fresh Vegetables

• Green vegetables
• Peas
• Tomatoes
• Beets
• Mushrooms

Meat

• Beef
• Fish
• Turkey

Frequent use of enema, diuretics, and laxatives should be avoided. If one is on a medication for diabetes, kidney disorders, etc., then get your serum potassium levels checked regularly.

The treatment is based on two aspects: first is to detect and treat the causes of low potassium and second is to replace the lost potassium. Treatment could include medications, a better potassium-rich diet, or oral potassium replacement, which is usually prescribed in a white, liquid form that is mixed with the juice. Intravenous potassium is given in extreme cases of hypokalemia.

Potassium is needed by the muscles, heart, and the nerves for ensuring a proper functioning of the body. Low levels of potassium can easily be dealt with. It is advisable to go for regular checkups and prevent the levels from falling, rather than treating the symptoms and complications it may cause.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.