Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 07 October 2022

Potassium, an essential mineral, is needed by all tissues in the body. Our muscles, nerves and heart need potassium to function well. Potassium, sometimes referred to as an electrolyte, carries a small electrical charge that activates various cell and nerve functions. It also help maintain normal levels of fluid inside our cells. Sodium, its counterpart, maintains normal fluid levels outside of cells. Potassium also helps muscles to contract and supports normal blood pressure. Additionally, potassium is also needed for a healthy digestive system and bone health. When your blood's potassium level is too low, hypokalemia results.

Low blood potassium is often caused by any conditions that increase loss of potassium in your digestive tract due to frequent vomiting, diarrhea and certain medications like diuretics. Other causes include eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, excessive sweating, alcohol use disorder, other medications such as insulin, certain antibiotics and corticosteroids and genetic conditions. Mild cases of low potassium signs may include constipation, heart palpitations, extreme tiredness (fatigue), muscle weakness and spasms, tingling and numbness. Severe cases of low potassium may cause signs and symptoms such as muscle twitches, muscle cramps, severe muscle weakness, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, abnormal heart rhythms, excessive urination and excessive thirst.

If you have a mild case of hypokalemia, your healthcare provider will prescribe a potassium supplement that will be taken orally. In severe cases, your doctor may give you potassium through your vein (intravenously) if your potassium is extremely low, taking supplements don’t raise your potassium level, and if low potassium levels cause abnormal heart rhythms. Potassium is naturally found in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy greens, beans and peas, nuts, bananas, fish, lean beef, milk, oranges, peanut butter, potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes are rich sources of potassium. Always check with your doctor before stopping or taking any potassium supplements. This might cause too much potassium to build up in your system, which could lead to hyperkalemia.

ZDN DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. Hypokalemia

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17740-low-potassium-levels-in-your-blood-hypokalemia#:~:text=Low%20levels%20of%20potassium%20can,muscle%20weakness%20and%20even%20paralysis.