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Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Potassium is an important mineral that plays a number of roles in our body. Our body derives it primarily from our diets. Its main functions are:. Small changes in levels of potassium can affect our bodily functions. Potassium maintains the electrical activity in the cells in our bodies. When this level drops, it affects the cells high in electrical activity - like nerves, muscles, and the heart.
Potassium deficiency is characterised by potassium levels lower than 3. Although we source most of our potassium from our diet, a low-potassium diet is hardly ever the reason for a deficiency. More often than not, potassium deficiency occurs due to loss from the Gastrointestinal tract GI or the kidney. Potassium deficiency caused due to loss from GI tract may be because of:.
Potassium deficiency caused due to loss from the kidneys may be because of:. Signs and symptoms of Potassium deficiency are not always noticeable. This may cause digestive problems like bloating and constipation 9 , Additionally, some studies have suggested that a severe deficiency may cause the gut to become completely paralyzed However, other studies found that the link between potassium deficiency and a paralyzed gut is not completely clear Summary Potassium deficiency may cause problems like bloating and constipation because it can slow the movement of food through the digestive system.
This feeling is known as a heart palpitation and is commonly linked to stress or anxiety. However, heart palpitations can also be a sign of potassium deficiency This is because the flow of potassium in and out of heart cells helps regulate your heartbeat. Low blood potassium levels can alter this flow, resulting in heart palpitations In addition, heart palpitations may be a sign of arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, which is also linked to potassium deficiency.
Unlike palpitations, arrhythmia has been linked to serious heart conditions 14 , Summary Potassium helps regulate the heartbeat, and low levels may cause symptoms like heart palpitations. These palpitations may also be a symptom of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, which may be a sign of a serious heart condition. Muscle aches and stiffness can also be a sign of a severe potassium deficiency Blood levels of potassium help regulate blood flow to your muscles.
When levels are severely low, your blood vessels can contract and restrict blood flow to your muscles This means muscle cells receive less oxygen, which may cause them to rupture and leak. This results in rhabdomyolysis, which is accompanied by symptoms like muscle stiffness and aches Summary Muscle aches and stiffness can be another sign of potassium deficiency and are caused by rapid muscle breakdown rhabdomyolysis. Those with potassium deficiency may experience persistent tingles and numbness This is known as paresthesia and usually occurs in the hands, arms, legs and feet Potassium is important for healthy nerve function.
Low blood levels of potassium can weaken nerve signals, which may result in tingling and numbness. While occasionally experiencing these symptoms is harmless, persistent tingles and numbness may be a sign of an underlying condition. Summary Persistent tingles and numbness may be a sign of impaired nerve function due to potassium deficiency.
A severe potassium deficiency can cause breathing difficulties. This is because potassium helps relay signals that stimulate the lungs to contract and expand When blood potassium levels are severely low, your lungs may not expand and contract properly.
This results in shortness of breath Also, low blood potassium can make you short of breath, as it can cause the heart to beat abnormally. This means less blood is pumped from your heart to the rest of your body Also, a severe potassium deficiency may stop the lungs from working, which is fatal Summary Potassium helps the lungs expand and contract, so potassium deficiency may result in shortness of breath.
Also, a severe deficiency may stop the lungs from working, which is fatal. Potassium deficiency has also been linked to mood changes and mental fatigue. Low blood potassium levels may disrupt the signals that help maintain optimal brain function That said, there is limited evidence in the area of potassium deficiencies and mood.
More research is needed before making any recommendations.
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