Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte for human existence. All living cells function using potassium. Without potassium, nerves could not generate electrical impulses, the heart would not pump and skeletal muscles could not contract. Potassium also maintains fluid balance in the body. A deficiency of potassium is called hypokalemia and can be life-threatening. You can maintain proper amounts of potassium in the body with a balanced diet. However, certain health conditions might place you at risk for potassium depletion.
Diarrhea
Potassium can be depleted with bouts of diarrhea, which can be an acute or chronic condition. Specifically, it is the passing of several loose or watery stools a day and might be associated with abdominal cramping. The body will become dehydrated and potassium-deficient if not treated. There are many reasons why diarrhea occurs, such as food poisoning, medication reaction, drinking contaminated water or irritable bowel syndrome. Regardless, it is important to maintain hydration and potassium intake to avoid hypokalemia.
Water Pills
Water pills are also called diuretics. Some people are prescribed these pills to eliminate excess fluid in the body, specifically around the heart or lungs. Menstruating women might use over-the-counter water pills to relieve bloating once a month. Water pills will make you urinate more often. Potassium is excreted with urine, so the potential to become deficient is a risk. If you are taking diuretics, ensure you are eating a balanced diet by eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, potatoes and orange juice.
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is a complicated health condition and occurs for many reasons. Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to properly filter urine and balance potassium levels and other electrolytes in the body. This condition might result in too much potassium being flushed out in the urine. Signs of this might be excessive urination at night and vomiting, according to the National Institutes of Health. Potassium depletion will make you feel weak and tired.
Safety and Precautions
Depletion in potassium levels is a condition that might need attention from your health care provider. Initial symptoms of this condition might be very subtle, such as fatigue, muscle cramps, lack of motivation and stomach cramps. It is important to listen to your body and focus on your dietary intake if these symptoms occur. If you are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, your should seek medical attention. Hypokalemia can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.
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