Potassium -- a mineral that is essential to many functions in your body -- plays key roles in the kidneys, muscles, heart, digestive system and nerves. Therefore, a potassium deficiency can lead to serious complications. Diseases such as kidney disease, as well as diuretic medications, may remove too much potassium from your body. However, the most common cause of potassium deficiency is perspiration, or sweating.
Function
Because your body cannot store it, potassium consumption must be a part of your daily dietary regimen. In addition, you constantly lose potassium through daily activities that lead to sweating. When your potassium levels are low, your body cannot build muscle, grow, transmit nerve impulses or perform proper cardiac activities like contraction of heart muscles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the recommended daily potassium intake for adults is 2,000 mg.
Causes
Physical activity is the most common factor that depletes your body of potassium. This is because high amounts of potassium ions are lost when you perspire. For this reason, athletes and those that sweat profusely are at a higher risk of potassium deficiency. According to Herbs2000.com, volunteers in human studies lost more than 50 percent of total potassium following a long distance run of 18 to 20 miles.
Symptoms
Symptoms such as muscular weakness and nervous irritability are cues that you may be affected by a potassium deficiency. These symptoms can be followed by mental disorientation and cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats. Other symptoms include dry skin, chills, constipation and salt retention. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a qualified physician for a recommended treatment. Complications of low potassium levels may be fatal.
Treatments
A potassium deficiency can be treated orally or intravenously. Your option of treatment depends on the diagnosis and your ability to tolerate fluid and medication by mouth. If there are no serious complications associated with low potassium, such as vomiting and diarrhea, then your body may be able to regulate and restore potassium levels on its own from the foods you eat. However, if complications are severe, potassium replacement or supplementation may be required.
Recommendations
When attempting to replenish your potassium levels, refrain from engaging in intense activities that will lead to excessive perspiration. Furthermore, since low potassium levels are usually found when your doctor orders a blood test, MayoClinic.com recommends that you consult with a physician before starting any treatment in order to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
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