Low potassium, also referred to as hypokalemia, can be caused by several medical conditions, including kidney disease and diuretic use. Low potassium levels can cause several symptoms, including weakness, muscle cramping, sweating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, heart palpitations and fainting. If you have any of these symptoms, you will want to seek treatment from your physician in order to resolve them as soon as possible.
Step 1
Take a potassium supplement. Potassium supplementation is a common treatment recommended by physicians who treat the disorder. If you have moderately low potassium levels, capsules or liquid potassium can be taken. According to eMedicine Health, dangerously low levels, below 2.5 mEq/L, usually warrant intravenous potassium.
Step 2
Eat potassium-rich foods. Mild cases usually can be remedied by eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, papaya, prune juice, oranges, pears and raisins.
Step 3
Make sure you get plenty of rest. While recovering from low potassium levels, you may feel tired and need extra hours of sleep to recuperate.
Step 4
Steer clear of excessive physical activity until your potassium levels have returned to normal. Low potassium can cause excessive sweating, and long periods of physical activity can worsen this problem.
Step 5
Drink a lot of water. Because water loss is one of the symptoms of lowered potassium, you should aim to consume at least eight to 10 glasses per day.
Step 6
Stop taking anything that may be causing lower potassium levels. Once you stop taking substances such as laxatives and diuretics, your symptoms should clear up.
Things You'll Need
- Potassium supplement
- Potassium-rich foods
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