Potassium is a vital mineral your body needs to function at its best. Your potassium level is closely tied to how much sodium and magnesium you have in your blood, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Low potassium levels result in a medical condition called hypokalemia. Extremely low potassium levels can even be life-threatening.
About Potassium
You need potassium for proper cell functioning, particularly muscle and nerve cells, according to MedlinePlus. Potassium, an electrolyte, acts in concert with sodium, chloride, magnesium and calcium to conduct electricity in your body, says the UMMC. Healthy heart function relies on potassium, as does skeletal and smooth muscle movement. Most people get the potassium they need from eating a well-rounded diet that includes potassium-rich foods such as fish, fruit, vegetables, legumes and milk products. When you get too much potassium, the excess mineral is filtered out by your kidneys, keeping your potassium levels in check.
Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, slightly low potassium typically won't result in any noticeable symptoms. However, very low potassium can cause constipation, weakness, muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmia, especially in people who already suffer from heart disease.
Causes
Low potassium, or hypokalemia, has a variety of causes, but the most common is when you lose too much potassium through frequent urination or bowel movements, says MayoClinic.com. Low potassium can be the result of taking medications such as diuretics, or water pills, which increase urination. It can also be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, eating disorders such as bulimia, taking too many laxatives and diseases such as chronic kidney failure. MedlinePlus also indicates that low potassium can be caused by sweating profusely and consuming a lot of licorice, including drinking herbal teas with licorice. Some chewing tobaccos contain a type of licorice made with glycyrrhetinic acid, which can also cause low potassium. However, MedlinePlus indicates that these are no longer manufactured in the United States.
Detection
Low potassium is usually discovered by your doctor after a simple blood test, states MayoClinic.com. A normal blood potassium level is between 3.6 to 4.7 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. A very low potassium level of less than 2.5 mEq/L is cause for concern, as well as immediate medical treatment.
What to Do
Mild cases of hypokalemia can be treated with potassium supplements, says MedlinePlus, although extremely low potassium may require intravenous treatment. Never self-treat with potassium supplements, cautions MayoClinic.com. You may have an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed, or your doctor may need to adjust a medication that you're taking. If you think you may have low potassium, talk to your physician.
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