Potassium, a nutrient necessary for properly functioning muscles, nerves and heart, also helps to prevent kidney stones and bone loss, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Losing bodily fluids through excessive urination, sweating, vomiting or diarrhea may cause your potassium level to drop, a condition called hypokalemia, says MayoClinic.com. Remedies for low potassium depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
Potassium-Rich Diet
Adults need 4,700mg of potassium per day, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In many cases of hypokalemia, adding potassium-rich foods to the diet will restore a healthy potassium level. Vegetables containing the most potassium include sweet potatoes, leafy greens, carrot juice and tomato products. High-potassium fruits include bananas, dried apricots, prune juice and and fruits. Other dietary sources include yogurt, fish, chicken, soy and dried beans.
Electrolyte Drinks
Electrolyte or sports drinks contain potassium, sodium, magnesium and other nutrients in varying amounts. Individuals who have lost potassium due to vomiting or diarrhea may find electrolyte drinks helpful, says the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Athletes may also replace potassium lost through excessive sweating by consuming electrolyte drinks during and after intense exercise.
Supplements
Your health care provider may prescribe potassium supplements to be taken by mouth if dietary adjustments do not restore your potassium level to 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L, says the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. A very low potassium level -- lower than 2.5 mEq/L -- can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention and intravenous potassium supplementation. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, paralysis and potentially fatal irregular heartbeats. Consult your health care provider if you have concerns about your potassium level, warns MayoClinic.com. Never begin taking potassium supplements unless instructed to do so.
Treat the Underlying Cause
Some causes of low potassium require changes to your medication regime or treatment of an underlying condition, cautions MayoClinic.com. If you take a diuretic, a medication that increases the amount of urination to treat high blood pressure, you may need a different medication. Disorders that may cause hypokalemia, such as Cushing's syndrome, bulimia and purging with laxatives, require treatment of the underlying cause.
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