Your body requires potassium to function properly. Found in a number of foods -- such as potatoes or oranges -- or in dietary supplements, potassium consumption supports proper tissue functioning. If you consume a nutrient-sparse diet, suffer from alcoholism, use certain diuretic medications or abuse laxatives, you face an increased risk of potassium deficiency, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. This deficiency can lead to a number of symptoms and negative health effects.
Irregular Heart Beat
One possible symptom of low potassium levels in your body is the development of an irregular heart beat, called arrhythmia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A collection of nerves around your heart control the contraction of your heart muscles, allowing for a regular heartbeat. These nerves rely on adequate potassium levels, so abnormally low levels of potassium can lead to abnormal nerve activity, and in turn cause an irregular heart beat. Arrhythmia requires medical attention to confirm the cause of the disorder, as well as begin treatment.
Muscle Abnormalities
Low potassium levels may also lead to symptoms affecting your muscles, such as weakness or cramping, according to Colorado State University. Muscle fibers throughout your body develop connections to nerve endings, called neuromuscular junctions. These junctions rely on potassium signaling to stimulate muscle contraction. Too little potassium in your body can lead to defects in stimulating muscle contraction, causing muscle weakness, or causing uncontrolled contraction, which leads to cramping.
Digestive Issues
Another possible symptom of low potassium in your body is the development of digestive issues, such as constipation, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Your digestive tract contains smooth muscle tissue, which lines your stomach, as well as your small and large intestines, colon and rectum. This smooth muscle aids in moving stool through your digestive system, and relies on potassium to stimulate these muscle contractions. As a result, low potassium levels can prevent stools from moving efficiently through your digestive tract, causing constipation.
Avoiding Low Potassium Levels
In many cases, low potassium levels develop due to another underlying disorder. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, seek medical attention to determine whether you suffer from potassium deficiency. By treating the underlying cause, along with increasing potassium consumption, you can recover from an existing potassium deficiency. Always consult your physician or other medical professional before taking potassium supplements.
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