Eating a banana may be a very good idea, especially if a person needs potassium. Potassium, a mineral, is an important electrolyte, necessary for electrical and cellular bodily functions. People ordinarily ingest sufficient potassium in food and drinks. When low potassium occurs, termed hypokalemia, many are not aware of the deficiency without a blood test. Hospitalized patients with hypokalemia generally experience problems with either potassium intake, problems with potassium distribution in and between cells, and with potassium excretion.
Potassium in the Body
Potassium's role in the body is central to normal electrical activity of the heart, metabolism, building muscle and kidney function. If these functions are compromised, low potassium may cause other diseases or loss of function, for example in the brain. For adults, the normal amount of potassium in the blood is between 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L, or milligram equivalents per liter. Individuals may vary without ill effects. Many do not notice any symptoms until the level falls below 3.0 mEq/L. At 2.5 mEq/L hypokalemia becomes life threatening, often requiring emergency care.
Causes of Hypolakemia: Medicines
Medications may cause hypokalemia, among the most likely culprits are diuretics, often given for high blood pressure, termed hypertension. Even diuretics designed to prevent loss of potassium may cause or contribute to hypokalemia. Some medicines that cause or contribute to hypokalemia include theophylline, insulin, large doses of hydrocortisone, laxatives, some antibiotics and other steroids.
Causes of Hypolakemia- Non-medicines
Hypokalemia may result from some food ingredients, diseases, or disorders. Excessive amounts of foods containing glycyrrhetinic acid found in licorice, or caffeine reduce potassium levels. Kidney disease when dialysis is necessary can lower potassium levels. Eating disorders, or any sickness causing excessive vomiting or diarrhea lowers potassium levels. Too much thyroid hormone in the blood can cause hypokalemia. Excessive perspiration or salt sensitivity also contribute.
Symptoms of Hypolakemia
Hypokalemia is related to hypertension, stroke, heart failure, and heart attack and kidney disease. Low potassium levels are implicated in conditions as disparate as diabetes mellitus and psychosis. Because potassium influences muscle growth, low potassium causes the breakdown of muscle fibers, including the heart. Symptoms such as muscle cramps, muscle weakness or spasms, constipation, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms and loss of appetite occur frequently but are often ascribed to other causes. Left untreated, hypokalemia causes paralysis in the lungs, and cause death.
Treatment of Hypolakemia
Depending upon the severity of the potassium deficiency, dietary, lifestyle and medicine changes may correct the imbalance. When potassium levels remain low, supplementation with potassium pills may correct the problem. When low potassium is severe, intravenous doses may be given. IV administration of potassium is severely painful for some people.
References
- "Emergency Medical Clinics of North America"; Disorders of Potassium; Timothy J. Schaefer, M.D., and Robert W. Wolford, M.D., M.M.M.; August 2005
- MedlinePlus: Hypokalemia; 2010
- MedlinePlus: Potassium in diet; 2010
Member Comments