Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency

For healthy growth and normal functioning of the body, we require some essential dietary supplements such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chlorides, etc. are necessary for the normal functioning of the body parts. Potassium is one of the most important minerals that play a significant role in maintaining good health. It is an intracellular, positively charged ion (cation).

Biological Functions of Potassium

Potassium is involved in both cellular and electrical functions in the body. It is required to regulate the acidity level, water balance and blood pressure. Potassium maintains water balance as well as acid-base balance in the blood and tissue cells, transmits electrical signals between nerves and cells and assists in muscle building. It also plays a major role in proper digestion, transmission of nerve impulses, regulation of heartbeats and muscle contraction. Potassium is important for the normal functioning of kidneys and heart. It is also needed for normal muscular function, in both involuntary and voluntary muscles. Potassium is involved in the storage of carbohydrates, which are used by the muscles as a fuel.

Dietary Sources of Potassium

Potassium can be obtained in large amounts from a variety of foods. Fresh unprocessed foods are the most important dietary sources of potassium. Chicken, beef and fish such as salmon, flounder, cod and sardines are the rich sources of potassium. Vegetables including tomatoes, broccoli, lima beans, peas, potato skins and leafy greens consist of abundant amounts of potassium. Melons, bananas, apricots and citrus fruits are also rich in potassium. Dried fruits such as dried apricots provide the concentrated sources of potassium. You can get a sufficient amount of potassium from the potassium supplements that are available in the form of potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium acetate.

Causes of Potassium Deficiency

Poor dietary habits can be the main cause of potassium deficiency in the body. If you fail to take even a little amount of potassium in your daily food, it can lead to develop long-term defects. An excessive secretion of potassium from the body through bowel movements such as vomiting and diarrhea is another reason for potassium deficiency. Certain medications including cortisones, diuretics and drugs for controlling hypertension can lead to low potassium levels in the body. Hypothyroidism is also an important cause of potassium deficiency.

Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency

A deficiency of potassium results in a fatal medical condition in the body, called as hypokalemia. It can happen as a result of aging process or in the people suffering from a chronic disease. The most common problems associated with the decreased potassium levels are cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, hypertension and depression. The symptoms of potassium deficiency appear when the level of potassium in the body decreases extremely.

Some of the common symptoms of potassium deficiency are muscular weakness, fatigue, temporary memory loss, unusual anxiety and confusion, improper digestion leading to constipation, kidney diseases such as acute renal failure, improper sleep, hypertension and nervous system disorders. Some other signs of potassium deficiency are weakness, thirst, dry skin, acne and other skin problems, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat and abnormal psychological behavior. Potassium deficiency increases the acid levels in the body, which lowers the natural pH of the body. Potassium deficiency affects the formation of connective tissue, making the body tissue vulnerable to various health problems.

The low levels of potassium in the body can be detected using a blood test such as determination of serum potassium. It can be treated with potassium supplements that are available in the market or in the form of dietary supplements.