Diet for Potassium Deficiency

Our body requires all vitamins and minerals for proper functioning. Every mineral like calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, etc., and every vitamin like vitamin A, B, C, D, E, K, etc. perform specific functions in the body and help in carrying out normal body functions. The mineral potassium is also one of the important minerals required by the human body for building muscles and to regulate the acid-base balance. This mineral is also essential for proper functioning of the heart muscles. Protein synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates is also carried out with the help of potassium. Therefore, potassium is required by the body regularly. However, sometimes, the level of potassium decreases leading to deficiency. Potassium deficiency can be treated by having a diet rich in high potassium foods.

Potassium Deficiency

Deficiency of potassium (also known as hypokalemia) can be caused if a person consumed excess amounts of diuretics. Diuretics increase the production of urine which also leads to excretion of potassium from the body. Similarly, disorders like vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to excretion of potassium which can lead to deficiency. Following a crash diet that lacks fruits and vegetables; use of certain drugs and antibiotics, etc. are also some of the potential causes of potassium deficiency in men and women. Symptoms of this condition are high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, water retention, weight gain, fatigue, weakness. In severe cases or in case of chronic potassium deficiency, a person may suffer from kidney disease, asthma, liver disease, disorders of the bladder, impotence, etc. In order to avoid these complications, it is essential to follow a diet to correct deficiency of potassium.

Treating Potassium Deficiency with Diet

Diet to treat potassium deficiency should consist of foods rich in potassium. Potassium is found in a variety of food sources as in fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, etc. Take a look at the following list of high potassium foods. You should include these foods in your daily diet to treat potassium deficiency.

• Apple, avocado, apricots, banana, cantaloupe, dates, figs, honeydew melon, Kiwi fruit, nectarines, orange, prunes, papaya, peach, peanuts, raisins.
• Beet, kidney beans, green leafy vegetables, lima beans, lettuce, mushrooms, pinto beans, pumpkin, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, winter squash
• Beef, clams, chicken, cod, salmon, shad, tuna, turkey
• Milk, buttermilk, yogurt

Among all these sources, potassium is found in high amounts in green leafy vegetables, potatoes, beans and fish. As this mineral is found in several dietary sources, one can easily include it in the diet. Potassium supplements are also available in the market that help in treating the deficiency. However, supplements should be taken only if and when advised by the doctor. Supplements should also be taken in prescribed amounts and care should be taken to avoid overdose. In severe cases of potassium deficiency, the doctor may also advise the person to go for IV (intravenous) potassium.

Although having a high potassium diet is effective, it is advisable to consult the doctor before including high amounts of these foods in your daily diet. Specially people suffering from kidney diseases are not recommended to have a high potassium diet. Similarly, the requirement and intake of potassium also depends on the age, gender and overall health of the person and varies according to it. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with potassium deficiency, chalk out your diet plan according to the doctor's recommendations. Take care!