Low Potassium Levels

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. Potassium is essential for muscle contraction, and for regulating blood pressure by the heart muscles. The normal potassium level in an healthy individual should range between 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; whereas, low potassium levels are below 3.5 mEq/L. The human kidney controls the balance of potassium in the body, by removing the excess through urination.

Causes of Low Potassium Levels
There are numerous causes of low potassium in the body. Among them, the major cause of low potassium levels is related to the kidney. As it is the kidney that regulates the levels of potassium in the body, any kidney disorders such as renal tubular acidosis or kidney failure can affect the levels of potassium 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 potassium across cells, can affect the concentration of potassium, by lowering it. Malnutrition and a diet poor in potassium also lowers the levels in the body. Excessive sweating is another reason that may cause low potassium levels.

Symptoms of Low Potassium Levels
Low potassium levels in blood, also known as hypokalemia, can make the person weak as cellular processes of the muscles, heart and nerves are impaired. Symptoms and signs of low potassium are mostly mild, until the levels drop very low. Symptoms of low potassium level exhibit themselves, in combination of more than two problems. They usually involve complications in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidneys, muscles, heart and nerves. The most common symptoms are weakness, a constant feeling of fatigue, cramping, 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.

Preventing Low Potassium Levels
Monitoring the potassium diet is the most easy way to normalize low levels, wherein intake of foods rich in potassium is suggested. What are potassium enriched foods? A diet including fruits like bananas, oranges, peaches, strawberries, kiwi, avocados, apricots and cantaloupes has proved to be very helpful. Include fresh vegetables like the greens, peas, tomatoes, beets, and mushrooms in the diet. Meat, beef, fish and turkey are also good for increasing low levels of potassium. Frequent use of enema, diuretics and laxatives should be avoided. If one is on medication for diabetes, kidney disorders etc., get your serum potassium level checked regularly.

Treatment for Low Potassium Levels
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 or just a better potassium rich diet, or oral potassium replacement, which is usually prescribed in a white, liquid form that is mixed into juice. Intravenous potassium is given for extreme hypokalemia.

Potassium is needed by the muscles, heart and the nerves for ensuring a proper functioning of the body. Low potassium levels can easily be dealt with; it is better to have regular checkups, and prevent the levels from falling, rather than take a treatment for its symptoms and the complications it may cause.