Manifestations of the body when potassium deficiency

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Blood potassium helps maintain homeostasis in your body. Deficiency (hypokalemia) or hyperkalemia can both be dangerous to your health. Potassium ions are essential for muscle contraction. In patients with episodes of hypokalemia, the muscles no longer function as they should and cause paralysis. However, not all paralysis is cyclical paralysis. The following article will clarify the manifestations of people with potassium deficiency.

1. What is potassium deficiency?

Potassium is an essential mineral for the body. It is contained in all cells of the human body. Potassium ions present in the blood control nerve function and heart rate. 98% of the potassium in the body is found inside the cells. Potassium deficiency often occurs in people taking diuretics. In addition, using certain antibiotics, vomiting or diarrhea, using laxatives too much, eating disorders (such as bulimia), chronic kidney disease, drinking too much alcohol, magnesium levels Low levels, folic acid deficiency and excessive sweating are also factors that cause low potassium levels.
Potassium plays an important role in the body's functions:
Maintain salt and water balance in the body: The body is made up of 60% water. 40% of water is inside the cell - intracellular fluid (ICF). The remainder of the water is present outside the cell in the extracellular and intercellular spaces. This fluid is also known as extracellular fluid (ECF). A balance between the fluids inside and outside the cell is necessary to maintain the cell shape. This is regulated by potassium and sodium. Potassium is the main electrolyte in the cell, sodium is the main electrolyte in the extracellular space. An imbalance in electrolyte levels causes cells to shrink or swell and burst. This can lead to organ damage. Maintains Nervous System and Muscles: The nervous system relays messages between your brain and body through nerves. The function of nerves and muscles depends on potassium and calcium ions. In cases of potassium deficiency, the nerves supplying the extremities may not function properly, causing paralysis-like symptoms. Cardiac contractility regulation: The nervous system controls muscle contractions. Nerve signals are generated when sodium enters the cell while potassium exits the cell. Both low and high potassium levels can affect nerve signals that produce irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) that can be life-threatening. The muscles of the intestines are also affected when potassium levels are low, causing the intestines to swell. To find out if you have a potassium deficiency, you can have regular blood tests. A normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (mEq/L stands for milliequivalents per liter of blood and is a unit of measurement used to assess levels). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.
People with a blood potassium level below 2.5 mmol/L must receive immediate medical care. People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, AIDS patients, alcoholics, and those who have had vaginal surgery have higher rates of hypokalemia than others.
There are many symptoms of potassium deficiency; However, people often overlook this deficiency and as a result it will wreak havoc on your body and even be life-threatening.

2. 8 manifestations of the body's lack of potassium

2.1. Muscle weakness The first symptom of potassium deficiency is the negative effect on the health of your muscles. It will impair muscle cell function and also damage your muscles. This, in turn, causes muscle stiffness and deep, painful weakness. In addition, your body needs potassium to heal damaged cells in the muscles.
Therefore, if you feel your muscles become tired and weak, tired for no reason, immediately visit your doctor to have your potassium level checked.
2.2. Tingling sensation Another common symptom of potassium deficiency is a tingling sensation. Potassium is important for your nerve health. If your potassium level is low, it can have a negative effect on electrical impulses that travel from your skin, travel through your muscles and then travel into your spinal cord and brain. This causes your outer extremities to lose sensation and thus causes a tingling sensation.
In general, you usually notice this sensation in your toes, fingers, feet, hands, legs, and arms. In addition, low potassium levels can also contribute to muscle twitching.
Therefore, if you experience a tingling sensation in your legs or arms, accompanied by some of the symptoms mentioned in this article, you may be at risk of potassium deficiency. In this case, a simple blood test is the best option to determine if you have a potassium deficiency?
2.3. Emotional and mental problems There are many symptoms of potassium deficiency and having emotional or mental problems is one of them. Potassium is an important mineral for brain function and mental health. It can maintain your brain's nerve conduction and electrical conductivity. In addition, it is necessary for the transport of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness. This is why potassium deficiency is such a factor in mood swings, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, and depression.
An article published in 1992 showed an association between potassium, sodium and magnesium in patients with depression. In addition, another study in 2022 found that hypokalemia can lead to depression.

2.4. High blood pressure This is one of the 8 most common symptoms of potassium deficiency that you need to watch out for. In fact, potassium has the ability to dilate blood vessels, and if your body doesn't get enough potassium, blood vessels can constrict, causing high blood pressure. In addition, potassium also aids you in balancing the negative effects caused by sodium. When the body lacks potassium, the sodium balance in the body will also be disturbed, thereby affecting blood pressure. A recent study found that low potassium levels are just as important as high sodium intake, especially among African-Americans with high blood pressure. This study also showed a link between high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
In addition to high sodium and low potassium intake, there are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Hence, it is better to visit your doctor to get a diagnosis of the exact cause of this problem
2.5. Constipation You can experience many symptoms of potassium deficiency, including constipation. Potassium is not only important for the health of your muscles but also plays an important role in ensuring the proper functioning of the digestive system, which is made up of smooth muscles that are able to contract rhythmically and thus support Digest. Therefore, if your body lacks potassium, it can disrupt the involuntary muscle functions of your intestines and stomach. If these muscles work well, it will be very beneficial for digestion, metabolism and absorption. On the contrary, if their function is poor, constipation can be caused. Along with constipation, you may experience some symptoms such as cramping, pain, and bloating. Since constipation can be caused by many different problems, you should talk to your doctor to get it checked.
2.6. Heart palpitations If you are suffering from any heart-related health problems, it can indicate that you are suffering from a potassium deficiency. This is also one of the common symptoms of potassium deficiency. This symptom can cause you to have heart palpitations and irregular heartbeats without any explanation.
A lack of potassium can disrupt your rhythm, which is your heart's coordinated contractions controlled by electrical impulses. However, if your body has enough potassium, it will assist you in protecting your heart from stroke, heart attack and some heart diseases.
You should go to the doctor immediately if you have frequent heart palpitations
2.7. Fatigue Fatigue is generally one of the eight common symptoms of potassium deficiency. This type of fatigue is not caused by overwork or overexertion, and it is impossible to know exactly what causes it.
In fact, all body cells need an appropriate amount of potassium to function properly, and a lack of this mineral can directly affect cell function as well as organ functions. . Therefore, you may experience fatigue if you lack potassium.
If you are in this condition, you have to make extra effort by performing daily activities. Since fatigue can be an early sign of unknown health problems, you should consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

2.8. Muscle cramps The last of the 8 symptoms of potassium deficiency is frequent muscle cramps, especially in the legs, arms and feet. In fact, potassium is an electrolyte found in all body cells, including nerve and muscle cells. It works with sodium to help control the charge of cells, controlling muscle activity and contractions. When your body lacks this mineral, body cells cannot receive or send electrical signals properly to maintain muscle contractions. This will increase the risk of frequent muscle cramps. This cramping can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Since fluid loss due to sweating can cause potassium deficiency, it is very important to provide potassium to the body after exercise. In case you have frequent cramps, immediately make an appointment with your doctor for treatment.

3. What should you do when your body shows potassium deficiency?

The ratio of potassium needed in an adult is about 45 millimoles (mmol)/kg of body weight. Our body needs about 3.5g of potassium each day and is obtained mainly through food sources. Therefore, To increase potassium absorption, it is recommended to use electrolyte drinks such as salt water, coconut water, orange juice. Foods rich in this micronutrient include:
Vegetables and fruits: parsley, dried apricots, potatoes, bananas, bamboo shoots, papaya, apples, grapes, avocados, tomatoes, vegetables, .. .. Dairy products include: fresh milk, yogurt. Fish such as: tuna, cod,... Legumes include: lima beans (pinto), kidney beans/kidneys (kidney), soybeans, black beans, lentils and lentils. peas. Some other foods include: Brown rice and tapioca; Cereal bran; Whole grain bread; Meat of cattle and poultry; Nuts,
In case you are correctly diagnosed with potassium deficiency, keep in mind some additional tips below to provide enough potassium for the body:
Beta-carotene-rich vegetables also contain trace amounts. high potassium. Sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, red peppers and Swiss chard are vegetables high in beta-carotene. Gradually add foods rich in potassium in daily meals until the body has enough potassium. Avoid trying to replenish your potassium deficiency in one day. When the body lacks potassium, avoid strenuous physical activities because it can cause potassium deficiency through sweating. Avoid adding too much potassium as it is also not beneficial for your health, especially for your kidneys. Be sure to consult your doctor first before taking any potassium supplements. Fish, such as salmon and sardines, are also high in potassium. Natural fruits are the best solution to help your body get this mineral. Some potassium-rich fruits are avocados, bananas, oranges, strawberries, kiwis, mangoes, dates, and apricots. Note: Only supplement with medicine when there is a doctor's examination and prescription.

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