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Common Symptoms and Causes of Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)

Potassium is well known electrolyte which helps to control the electrical activity inside your body. It is a crucial mineral on the earth which is required for the optimal function of the body cells. Low level of potassium can affect the body cells function. People always suffered with the health issues like muscles loss, heart problems and nerves disorder because of low potassium. Potassium deficiency is well known as Hypokalemia in which potassium level rapidly decreased below to 3.5 mmol/L. This mineral is used by our body to breakdown essential carbohydrates and proteins. Apart from that, Potassium is used by body to build muscles and for the better functions of body cells. The balance of this electrolyte is mainly controlled by the kidney. The main function of the kidney is to remove waste materials including excess potassium into urine.

Causes for Hypokalemia (low potassium)

Most of us believed that Hypokalemia is normally experienced by people due to the intake of unhealthy diet. This condition is mostly affected people due to the loss of mineral (potassium) from the kidney and GI (gastrointestinal).
The risk of Hypokalemia is normally occurred because of vomiting, diarrhea and kidney disorders. Physicians are always suggesting to drinking mixture of water and glucose, which contains electrolytes. Apart from that, alcoholism and eating disorders are also leading causes for low potassium because it can leads to the extreme vomiting and excessive use of laxatives. In addition, diuretic medications are also affecting the potassium level of the body. It is proved that use of some medications may results to low potassium level.

Common Symptoms

The common symptoms of low potassium are usually mild in most of cases. Here are the symptoms that mostly affect people like weakness, cramping, tiredness, vomiting, nausea, constipation, low blood pressure and some time depression. Apart from that, people may feel irregular heartbeat and thirsty most of the time.

Diagnosis of Hypokalemia

Normal blood test is the easiest way to measure the level of potassium. As I earlier said, uses of medications for the treatment of high blood pressure have more risk of potassium deficiency. Healthy diet is a simplest way to balance potassium level. You have to change your diet if you are experiencing symptoms of Hypokalemia. Here is the list of foods which helps you to maintain healthy level of potassium such as Bananas, Tomatoes, Peaches, and Oranges. Remember, Hypokalemia is treatable easily if you reduce the intake of water pills or other medications. Apart from that, avoid the use of dietary supplement or prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. 

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