Lack of Potassium: Symptoms

Lack of potassium or low potassium level is known as hypokalemia in medical terms. Lack of potassium in the body indicates the level of this electrolyte is less than the normal level. The proper functioning of the cell, tissues, organs of the human body system, require potassium. This is because potassium can conduct electricity through the body in association with calcium, sodium, magnesium and chloride. Potassium is an important mineral in the body as it helps in skeletal and muscle contraction, digestion, muscle function and even in the functioning of the heart. It is very important to have the right balance of potassium in the body. The following paragraphs will discuss some information related to lack of potassium symptoms.

Definition of Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia or lack of potassium in the body occurs when the levels of the minerals fall below the normal levels. The normal blood potassium level in humans is 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). When the level of potassium is below 2.5 mEq/L, it can become a life-threatening situation. The effects of hypokalemia may lead to serious arrhythmia, irregular heart rhythm, muscle weakness, myalgia, hyponatremia with seizures and confusion.

Lack of Potassium Causes
One can suffer from symptoms of lack of potassium in the body due to many reasons. The common causes of low potassium include:

• Excess use of certain diuretics
• Diarrhea
• Eating disorders like anorexia
• Excess use of laxatives
• Chronic kidney dysfunction or renal failure
• Excess vomiting
• Increased insulin levels
• Influenza
• Anemia
• Cushing's Syndrome
• Alcoholism
• Excessive burn injury
• Profuse sweating over a period of several days

Symptoms of Lack of Potassium
The most common symptoms of lack of potassium in the body is leg cramps and arm cramps. If a person finds arms and legs cramping a lot without any specific reason, it may mean lack of potassium in the body. Vomiting is another lack of potassium symptom as this mineral is an important part of ones gastrointestinal system. In less severe cases, a person may feel nauseated all the time. If you feel tired at all times and feel that you have no energy left, it may be a sign of lack of vitamins and minerals. Lack of potassium symptoms also include fatigue and weakness. Heart palpitations that crop up on an EEG may be a sign of low potassium levels. Abdominal and stomach cramps are also lack of potassium symptoms. Other signs and symptoms of low potassium may include:

• Abnormally dry skin
• Chills
• Constipation
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Edema
• Glucose intolerance
• High cholesterol levels
• Impaired growth
• Insatiable thirst
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Low blood pressure
• Mental confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Salt retention
• Cardiac arrest in extreme cases

Lack of Potassium Treatment
The treatment of low potassium involves finding the underlying cause for the lack of minerals. The doctor may recommend potassium supplements. You should take potassium supplements only under medical guidance. You should eat a banana or watermelon every day to overcome your lack of potassium in diet. You should also include tomatoes and cantaloupes and other rich sources of potassium in foods in your diet. This was all about lack of potassium symptoms. Make sure that you follow a healthy diet to reduce the chances of lack of potassium in diet and watch out for the subtle signs of health alarm your body gives out.