Potassium Deficiency Symptoms in Humans

There are three main electrolytes of the human body viz., sodium, potassium and calcium. From this you can make a guess of the importance of potassium in your daily diet. Potassium is a mineral which helps in smooth functioning of kidneys, pancreas, heart, muscles, nerve transmission and conversion of glucose into glycogen, which gives energy to our body. Potassium rich foods and potassium supplements are also available in the market to help you avoid potassium deficiency symptoms. Potassium rich foods chart has all the potassium rich foods that you can include in your daily diet to avoid the potassium deficiency symptoms in humans.

Causes of Potassium Deficiency
Potassium deficiency is the result of poor dietary habits. If you fail to consume the required amount potassium, it is more likely that you may suffer from the deficiency of potassium. Some drugs may also cause deficiency of potassium, as this is one of the very common side effects. Bowel movement will also cause a potassium deficiency. Let us see how.

Potassium is absorbed in the body in the small intestine. If the food in the small intestine moves fast, it will not sufficiently absorb potassium from it, resulting into a potassium deficiency. Potassium is greatly regulated in humans by their kidneys. Some of the potassium is excreted from the body through sweat. Also, low sodium diets, extensive burns and injuries, surgical operations (related to bowels), excessive excretion of aldosterone, chronic diarrhea, persistent vomiting, anemia, heart diseases, bizarre diets, alcoholism and starvation cause potassium deficiency.

Potassium Deficiency Symptoms
Potassium deficiency in humans is commonly known as hypokalemia. There are some common potassium deficiency symptoms, which are as follows:

• Muscular weakness
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Acne and other skin related problems
• Weak memory and temporary memory loss
• Depression
• Improper sleep and hypertension
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Headache
• Nervous system deterioration
• Heart deterioration
• Vibration in ears

Neuromuscular cell discharge is affected by potassium because the way in which these neuromuscular cells are charged and discharged is affected by potassium. Low potassium levels in the humans can result in this primary action for energizing the muscles, which may result in muscular cramps and muscular weakness. Heart is also made up of muscles that are important. Heart deterioration and changes in ECG are observed due to potassium deficiency. Arrhythmia is commonly experienced in case of potassium deficiency. There are many types of arrhythmia. Some drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure also affect the potassium levels in the body. It is advisable to people with high blood pressure to get checked for the potassium levels in their body. Some people suffering from prolonged diarrhea and vomiting must consult a doctor to ensure whether potassium levels in the body have dropped and needs to be replaced. Extreme thirst and frequent urination are the other symptoms of low potassium levels in humans. Another potassium deficiency symptom is tingling sensation or numbness experienced in the body, palpitations (due to irregular heart beats) and fainting (low blood pressure). Abnormal psychological behavior like hallucinations, confusion and anxiety, also symbolize potassium deficiency.

ECG tests and blood tests are used to determine hypokalemia. Severe potassium deficiency is treated by giving intravenous potassium. Otherwise, in most of the cases, potassium rich foods are recommended by many doctors.

Along with these foods, drinking electrolyte replacement fluids after some rigorous physical activity can help you reduce the risks of low potassium in the human body. These are the signs and symptoms of low potassium in humans.