Did you know that the presence of low potassium levels has many causes, but it usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders or the use of diuretics? The presence of low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness, cramps, contractions or even paralysis, and abnormal heart rhythms may occur.
This nutrient is responsible for the proper functioning of the body, being an important mineral for fluid regulation, muscle and nerve function, and electrolyte balance. Precisely for this reason, potassium deficiency – called hypokalemia in medical language – manifests itself when its concentration in the blood is less than 3.5 mEq/L.
According to experts, mild deficiencies of this mineral do not cause symptoms or discomfort of any kind. However, in cases of severe hypokalemia there is a potentially fatal condition, due to the appearance of cardiac muscle contraction disorders.
5 symptoms and complications of potassium deficiency:
- muscle cramps
- loss or decrease in physical strength (asthenia)
- constipation
- lack of appetite
- muscle spasms.
In more serious cases, deficiency of the substance can cause anything from hypoventilation (reduced ventilation of the lung alveoli) to respiratory paralysis, with cardiac arrhythmias, flaccid paralysis and excessive urination (polyuria).
What causes a lack of potassium?
- disorders and diseases of the digestive system that cause prolonged vomiting or diarrhea (for example, ulcerative colitis, adenoma);
- villous colon, gastric lavage, laxative abuse);
- strenuous exercise, sweating and general fluid loss (as in extensive burns);
- excess sodium in the diet and insufficient potassium intake;
- malabsorption syndromes;
- abuse of certain diuretics.
Potassium source foods:
- Bananas
- Sweet potato
- Spinach
- Beans and legumes
- Avocado
- Fish such as salmon, tuna and trout
- Yogurt and milk
- Citrus fruits like oranges
- Melon
- Tomato
- Potato
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetables, such as kale and chard
- Mushrooms
Source: Meio Norte
