Potassium Deficiency: Know Causes, Symptoms And Preventive Measures

The deficiency of potassium is called hypokalemia.

Most of our body’s potassium is present in the cellular space of skeletal muscles. It is an essential mineral that helps in maintaining the normal fluid levels inside our cells apart from contraction in muscles and supporting normal blood pressure. With the help of potassium, nerve impulses are conducted throughout the body. It is also known as sodium and potassium exchange due to the presence of electric potential with the help of potassium and sodium ions.

According to Harvard Medical School, potassium allows nerves to send signals or messages from the brain to reach other organs. The deficiency of potassium is called hypokalemia. As a result, the veins start to swell and the lack of strength can be felt in the body.

Causes

According to Cleaveland Clinic, potassium deficiency can occur in many situations. Some of the causes for potassium deficiency include the less constitution of this mineral in your daily diet and secondly the lack of potassium absorption enzymes in the body. Generally, the prime causes of potassium deficiency can be due to vomit or diarrhoea due to an upset stomach or if a high amount of laxatives are consumed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of potassium deficiency are excessive body weakness, fatigue, numbness in hands and feet, and weakness in muscles. When there is a severe deficiency of potassium, the muscles start cramping, blood pressure becomes low followed by excessive thirst, and urination. Irregular heartbeat and fainting are other prime symptoms of potassium deficiency.

Potassium relaxes the blood vessels, which keeps blood pressure under control. Therefore due to its deficiency, the problem of blood pressure can also be diagnosed in our body. This also increases the risk of heart disease. The deficiency of potassium can also weaken the digestive system.

Food To Curb Potassium Deficiency

Generally, many types of foods contain small amounts of potassium. However, if you have such symptoms then you will have to add some green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits to your diet.

The consumption of squash, spinach, kale etc. is considered beneficial to curb potassium deficiency in our body. Apart from this, you can also increase the intake of raisins, apricots, beans, legumes, broccoli, avocado, tomato, dairy, buttermilk etc. in your diet for a few days to regulate the amount of potassium in your body.