Potassium Deficiency Symptoms in Men

Potassium is an electrolyte that aids the human body in muscle contraction, nerve and heart function, and fluid balance regulation in the body. The normal potassium level is 3.6 to 5 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). The recommended intake of potassium for an adult is 4.7 grams per day. Athletes are advised to increase their potassium intake, as they lose a lot of fluid while training. And eating potassium rich foods is advised over consumption of potassium supplements. A very low potassium level, which is less than 2.5 mEq/L, will cause signs of potassium deficiency to appear. Low potassium levels in the body is a condition called hypokalemia.

Causes of Low Potassium in Men

The following are some common causes of potassium deficiency:

• Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.
• Inadequate potassium intake, but this is a very rare cause.
• Certain medications like steroids, diuretics and laxatives, as well as high blood pressure medicines and antibiotics.
• Excessive diarrhea, vomiting and urination will flush out potassium from the body.
• Hormonal imbalances like hyperthyroidism.
• Chronic kidney diseases and adrenal gland disorders.

Symptoms and Effects

The parts of the body affected by hypokalemia are:

Heart: One of the first areas that display potassium deficiency symptoms, is the cardiovascular system. The heartbeat increases in speed (also called arrhythmias) and blood pressure levels start to rise. Actually, the heart rhythm and blood pressure levels fluctuate from high to low. If the potassium levels are dangerously low, there is a high risk of a cardiac arrest.

Muscular System: Muscle contraction is another symptom of a low potassium level. Muscles start to cramp, especially in the legs. There is a feeling of weakness in the muscular system, as if your body does not want to move. Myalgia or muscular pain also occurs. Severely low potassium levels can cause deteriorated skeletal muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis) or muscle paralysis. Muscle tetany, where the muscles go into an involuntary state of contraction for some time, is another extremely low potassium symptom.

Respiratory System: Due to weakness in the muscles, paralysis of the lungs can occur, leading to impaired breathing.

Neurological System: Potassium helps your nerves transmit signals to and from the brain. A deficiency in potassium leads to disturbance in neural activity, and hence you start feeling confused and dazed. A constant feeling of thirst is a noted effect of this activity.

Other potassium deficiency symptoms in men are:

• Constipation
• Feeling exhausted and lack of energy
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal bloating and pain
• Dizziness and fainting, especially when trying to stand
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Reflexes are slow or absent
• Abnormally dry skin

Treatment and Prevention

1. If you exhibit any of the above symptoms, or use diuretics regularly, consult a physician. A blood test can be carried out to determine your potassium levels and see if a deficiency exists.
2. Make sure potassium rich foods are part of your diet. Include unprocessed foods like bananas, lean meats, peanuts, almonds and orange juice.
3. Take potassium supplements to help increase the intake, with a doctor's supervision and guidance.
4. Make sure your bowel and urination habits are regular.
5. Male athletes should take special care of their potassium levels, as muscle training and sweating reduces the amount of potassium in the body.

If you've observed the symptoms listed above, you must have noticed how mentally and physically tasking the symptoms are. Clearly a potassium deficiency has harmful and lasting effects on a man's health. So follow a balanced diet and replenish your fluids, so that your potassium levels are good.