Potassium is one of the many minerals you consume in a well-balanced diet. It's essential for muscle function, metabolism and digestion. It's also considered an electrolyte that helps retain fluids in the body as well as maintain the proper pH of your blood. When referring to your potassium level, you're talking about the amount of potassium in your blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal level is 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L, or milliequivalent of potassium per liter of blood.
Hypokalemia
When you have an abnormally low level of potassium in your bloodstream, you're suffering from a condition known as hypokalemia. It's commonly caused by long bouts of diarrhea or vomiting as well as abuse of diuretics or laxatives, antibiotics, sweating, eating disorders, kidney disease and kidney failure, asserts the National Institutes of Health.
Hyperkalemia
An abnormally high level of potassium in your bloodstream is a condition known as hyperkalemia. Most of the time, it's a result of either acute or chronic kidney failure, but it may also stem from burns, injuries, diabetes, blood pressure medications, potassium supplements or hormonal issues, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Abnormally low levels of potassium in your blood are known to cause weakness, fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps and arrhythmia. Abnormally high levels of potassium can cause you to experience some nausea, weak pulse and irregular heartbeats.
Complications
The most significant complication from abnormal potassium levels is cardiac arrest. This can occur with either hypokalemia or hyperkalemia. It's especially dangerous when your potassium level drops below 2.5 mEq/L or elevates above 6.0 mEq/L, warns the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
Treatment for abnormal potassium levels is often dependent on the cause. However, certain dietary changes can correct mild cases of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia. Avoiding foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, nectarines, prunes, dates, apricots, squash, avocado, spinach, beets, beans, lentils, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, dairy and fish, can help to lower potassium levels, whereas increasing your intake of these foods can improve potassium levels. Foods considered lower in potassium include apples, pears, tangerines, papayas, apricots, plums, pineapple, rhubarb, broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, mushrooms, bell peppers, eggplant, green beans, lettuce and corn, asserts the National Kidney Disease Education Program.
Potassium supplements, changes in medication, dialysis, water pills and intravenous calcium, glucose or insulin may also help to improve your condition, explains the National Institutes of Health.
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