Low Potassium Side Effects

Potassium is a vital mineral required by the human body for several body functions, including proper functioning of heart, kidney and skeletal system. Along with electrolytes such as magnesium, sodium and calcium, potassium tends to produce electricity in the body. With so many important body functions to its credit, it becomes very important to maintain the required levels of potassium in the body, and tackle low potassium side effects, as soon as they are noticed.

The health condition characterized by high potassium levels in blood is known as hyperkalemia, while the health condition wherein less than required levels of potassium is observed in the bloodstream is known as hypokalemia. Both health conditions can lead to some severe complications, and hence it's important to maintain the necessary level of potassium in the body.

Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
Hypokalemia, also referred to as potassium deficiency, is usually caused when the body is not provided with required amount of potassium. The probability of a person suffering from hypokalemia, due to the lack of potassium intake through the daily diet is rare, but cannot be ignored. But this medical condition is primarily caused when the body loses high amounts of potassium through urine. Hypokalemia is also caused when the person is dependent on medications which decrease the levels of potassium in the body. Some of these medications include Amphotericin, Bantacids, Corticosteroids, Fluconazole and Insulin. Over a period of time, this disorder can become a life threatening hazard, and hence it should be treated as early as possible. Read to know more on causes of low potassium.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Potassium
The common signs and symptoms of low potassium include weakness, irregular heartbeat, stomach disturbances and frequently occurring muscle cramps. The results of electrocardiogram tests, meant to measure heart function, tend to be abnormal when the test is executed. The person experiences excessive fatigue, constant thirst, dryness of skin and recurring chills. These signs and symptoms of low potassium are indicators of lack of one of the most important nutritional component - potassium. Ignoring these signs and symptoms can trigger a series of low potassium side effects, which can eventually result in life threatening medical conditions.

Side Effects of Low Potassium
Other than the aforementioned signs and symptoms of low potassium, the adverse effects of low potassium also include relentless nausea accompanied by frequent vomiting. The individual may suffer from diarrhea and constipation as well. Low potassium side effects are also characterized by frequently occurring headache and insomnia. If the initial signs and symptoms of low potassium are ignored, it may lead to much more severe conditions, such as heart attacks, high cholesterol and low blood pressure. More importantly, low potassium levels for extended periods can lead to permanent scarring of the kidney. It's important to understand the potential side effects of low potassium, interactions of potassium with other medications before you decide whether you need to take dietary supplements to fill up for the potassium deficiency. If at all you take these supplements, make sure that you do it only after consulting with a medical practitioner or a certified dietitian. Read more on effects of hypokalemia.

Low Potassium Treatment
The best way to treat potassium deficiency is to stick to a healthy diet with significant amount of potassium rich foods. Various fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, bananas, lima beans, tomatoes are rich in potassium, and hence should be ideally included in the low potassium diet, i.e. diet for people suffering from potassium deficiency. Chicken and salmon are also high in potassium and therefore are beneficial for people suffering from low potassium (Hypokalemia). Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of potassium, owing to which the health benefits of apple cider vinegar includes treatment of potassium deficiency as well. If you are taking any of the aforementioned medications that result in low potassium levels, you should promptly consult a medical practitioner and take to supplements if necessary. To know more about which foods should be included in your diet, you can go through low potassium food list.

Like the high potassium levels in blood, low potassium levels can also lead to grave consequences on the health of an individual. It's important to tackle potassium deficiency symptoms at the earliest, as there are high chances of the disorder becoming more severe in the future. It's one of the major health concerns, in the era of junk food, and hence has to be rightfully tackled as early as possible.