Signs of Potassium Deficiency: Do You Need More Potassium in Your Diet?
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral needed in the body in order for the organs of the body to function properly. Although potassium can be easily acquired through a balanced diet, many people lack the proper potassium levels needed. If the body does not have an adequate amount of potassium, serious symptoms of potassium deficiency can occur. It is important to maintain proper potassium levels in the body because complications can occur from too little potassium or from too much potassium.
Importance of Potassium
Maintaining sufficient potassium levels is vital for the body to function correctly. Potassium assists in maintaining proper heart functions. It helps to regulate blood pressure and may reduce cholesterol levels. The body needs potassium to uphold a regular heart beat and for the heart to pump blood properly.
The muscles of the body can not function correctly without suitable levels of potassium. They are not able to contract and relax correctly if the body lacks potassium. The nerves associated with the body’s muscles, as well as other nerves of the body, need potassium to rapidly transmit nerve impulses and function properly.
Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency
Symptoms of potassium deficiency are quite obvious, ranging from muscle cramps to mental instabilities. Low potassium can cause weakness, tiredness, tingling, and numbness of the limbs. It can cause digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, bloating, and constipation. If there is not enough potassium in the body, an irregular heart beat can occur and even low blood pressure. Increased thirst and increased urination are also symptoms of potassium deficiency. Prolonged potassium deficiency can cause heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It can lead to digestive disorders, cancer, and even infertility.
Potassium Sources
It is recommended for an adult of 18 years and older to have 4,700 mg of potassium daily. However, depending on other health conditions the requirement can change. A chart of potassium recommendations can be viewed at WebMD.com. Even though potassium supplements are available, proper potassium levels can easily be achieved by eating potassium sources. There are many natural potassium sources available to incorporate into a healthy diet. It is important to watch how the sources are cooked because some cooking techniques, like boiling, can destroy the potassium. Great sources of potassium include:
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Citrus fruits, bananas, tomatoes, strawberries, and dried fruit
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Leafy green vegetables, spinach, and peas
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Nuts and beans
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Avocados and potatoes
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Milk and Orange juice
Potassium Overdose
It is important to maintain proper potassium levels because, as with potassium deficiency, potassium overdose can cause serious complications as well. More than 5,000 mg of potassium a day can cause an overdose. If this occurs, it can produce symptoms of muscle weakness, tingling and numbness in limbs, hands, feet, and tongue. It can cause a rapid decrease in blood pressure and irregular heart beat. An abundance of potassium can cause confusion, heart and kidney problems, and even coma.
References:
“Potassium” Reviewed By Michael W. Smith, MD. April 14, 2008 WebMD.com
“Potassium and Your Heart” Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD October 15, 2008 WebMD.com
“Low Potassium” 2009, eMedicineHealth.com
“Potassium” McVitaminscom
Disclaimer
The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain nutritional diets are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.