Learn more about Symptoms of Potassium deficiency (Hypokalemia) and what can be the possible causes for it. Recognizing early symptoms of Hypokalemia is better to prevent possible Potassium deficiency.
You must be aware of the fact that nutrients and minerals are very essential for the normal functioning of the body. Potassium is one of the most important minerals that play a great role in the maintenance of good health. Potassium basically is an intracellular, positively charged ion which plays a positive role in the well being of a human being.
There are several reasons that can lead to potassium deficiency in the body. Deficiency of potassium in the body is known as hypokalemia. Even a little lack of potassium in your daily food can lead to long-term defects. Apart from food there are certain medications such as cortisones, diuretics and drugs for controlling hypertension which are largely responsible for the potassium deficiency in the body. Bowel movement can also cause a potassium deficiency in you.
Potassium is required for the proper functioning of the cells, especially the cells of the heart muscle. Along with sodium, it helps in maintaining the balance of the fluids and the acid base in the body. It also controls the amount of fluid which is present inside the cells. Apart from this, the transfer of the nutrients through cell membranes is regulated by potassium.
Symptoms of Low Potassium : Potassium deficiency symptoms in humans
There are several symptoms by means of which you can understand the potassium deficiency in your body. The deficiency of potassium in your body can happen due to aging process. If you are suffering from some chronic disease, you can also develop the risk from running low in potassium. Hypothyroidism is also an important cause of potassium deficiency.
The most common symptoms of potassium deficiencies are fatigue, weak memory and memory loss temporarily, weakness in the muscle, deterioration of the condition of the heart, vibration in the ears, improper sleep and hypertension, acne and other skin related problems, anxiety, irritability, chills, nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure, periodic headaches, salt retention, constipation and many more. Apart from these basic symptoms, high cholesterol levels, edema, impaired growth, glucose intolerance and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest can also be an effective symptom of potassium deficiency.
In fact, if you can know the symptoms of the potassium deficiency from the start you can take appropriate action. Potassium can be found in varieties of food. However, fresh, unprocessed foods are the most important dietary sources of potassium. Vegetables including tomatoes, broccoli, peas, potato skins and leafy greens are rich with abundant amounts of potassium. Chicken, beef and fish such as salmon, flounder, cod and sardines are also rich sources of potassium. If you can eat fruits like Melons, bananas, apricots and citrus fruits, you will not suffer from potassium deficiency. You can also go for potassium supplements which are found in the form of potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium acetate.
Therefore, it is very necessary to find out whether you are including potassium in your regular diet. If you do not want to suffer from the health risks due to the deficiency of potassium, it is high time that you start to include the potassium rich foods in your diet.
are potassium deficiency symptoms in children same as potassium deficiency sign and symptoms in adults?