Potassium deficiency - causes, symptoms and treatment

Potassium is a mineral that is vital for the proper functioning of the human body. It plays a pivotal role in the building of muscles, conversion of glucose to glycogen and overall development of the body. Deficiency of potassium in the blood levels leads to a condition known as 'hypokalemia'. Some of the characteristics of this condition are fatigue, allergies, kidney stones and acne.

Causes of potassium deficiency:

Deficiency in human beings usually occurs due to dietary intake of low in fresh fruits and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables, fruits like bananas and apples, whole grains, seafood and certain herbs are all foods rich in potassium. The loss of fluids in the body due to vomiting, diarrhea or excessive sweating exacerbates potassium that can also lead to deficiency. Using some prescription medications or complications in health due to diabetes or kidney malfunction may also cause the body to expel the mineral.


Potassium deficiency symptoms:
Tendency or weakness of the muscles.
Paralysis.
Reach the muscles due to stiffness.
Abdominal bloating or cramps.
Core pulpitations.
Spells of dizziness and fainting.
Extreme thirst and frequent urination.
Numbness and tingling sensation.


Potassium deficiency diseases and treatment:

1. Kidney disease:
Potassium maintains fluid, electrolyte and pH levels. It is a crucial mineral that helps the kidneys in filtering blood. Well potassium levels are between 3. 5 - 5. 0 MAC / L. No drastic changes in these levels can be unsafe for the kidneys.

2. Irregular functioning of the heart:
Potassium is important for effective muscle function, including the heart. Low potassium levels cause irregular heartbeats and in extreme cases may even lead to cadiac arrest.

3. High blood pressure:
Adhesive levels of potassium in the bloodstream are essential to control blood pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition in which the pressure of the blood flowing to the heart is elevated. This happens when the kidneys expel the potassium but retain the sodium. Shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations and dizziness are some of the symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

4. Migraines:
A lack of potassium is one of the reasons for the repeated impact of headaches or migraines in people who are prone to chronic conditions.

5. Muscular degeneration:
When potassium levels in the bloodstream drop significantly, it leads to hypokalaemia. Muscle weakness is one of the predominant features of hypokalemia, in addition to fatigue, cramps and heart pills. In extreme cases, due to the breakdown of muscular fibers, it can lead to paralysis.

6. Diagnostic complications:
Diabetes patients who suffer from low levels of potassium generally have high blood sugar levels. This reduces the sensitivity of the body to the insulin.


7. Alopecia Or Hair Loss
A potassium deficient diet may cause your hair to fall out. Loss of hair or "alopecia" may also be due to fungus, ingestion of certain drugs, chemotherapy, or iron deficiency as well.

8. Stomach disorder:
Lowering the levels of potassium in the body can cause an upset stomach by weakening the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, vomiting, bloating and constipation are some of the other side effects of potassium deficiency…

9. Mental fatigue:
Low levels of potassium can also affect a person's psychological health. It may be like depression, mood swings, irritability, disorientation or bipolar disorder.

10. Skin problems:

Potassium deficiency can cause skin problems such as skin eruptions, dryness of the skin, blistering, and acne.




Steps to potassium deficiency:
To ensure that there is no deficit of the mineral in your body; Include a lot of potassium rich foods in your daily diet.
Provide fluids to your body to supplement any body-related secretions.
Dry diet or vomiting without delay to prevent further loss of potassium.
If your body is dangerously low on potassium, you can take supplements up to these levels. Make sure you consult a doctor before doing the same.


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