Your body needs potassium in order to sustain healthy function of your heart, nerves and muscle cells. When levels get too low, you may begin to experience certain symptoms that require immediate attention. If you have low potassium as a result of alcoholism, you will need to work closely with your medical doctor in order to treat it effectively.
Potassium
A diagnosis of low potassium is also called hypokalemia. A normal range for blood potassium should be 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L; having a very low potassium concentration -- 2.5 mEq/L can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms may include muscle cramping, extreme fatigue, weakness and abnormal heart rhythm. Chronic alcoholism may be a contributing factor in low potassium stores in the body.
Alcoholism
If you're an alcoholic and drink several times a day, you may be losing important nutrients and electrolytes, including potassium. You may not be getting the proper nutrition through a healthy diet. When you are an alcoholic, your kidneys are often affected, which can lead to kidney failure. If you are having problems with your kidneys or you're in kidney failure your potassium level can be affected.
Alcoholism depletes your body from absorbing certain types of vital nutrients, including vitamins such as vitamins D, C and E. Zinc, magnesium and amino acids may also be lost when symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and sweating take place.
Significance
Low potassium levels are a sign that your body is working in excess to meet demands from your organs such as your heart, kidneys and liver. If you have problems with alcohol, your internal organs also work harder in order to keep up with the damaging effects of drinking. When your body is under the influence of alcohol, and does not have time to recover, your muscles and organs such as your kidney and liver call on potassium ions, in order to replenish and rejuvenate your system. The extended need for potassium along with stress on the body due to alcohol can lead to a drop in potassium levels.
Solution
Hypokalemia is often discovered through a routine blood test or comprehensive metabolic panel. The physician will likely treat mild cases of hypokalemia with a potassium pill. You will have to follow up within 24 to 72 hours to make sure levels begin to rise. If you are unable to bring your potassium into a normal range, you may have to be hospitalized and received a potassium drip while under close observation. Getting treatment for alcoholism is also recommended. If your doctor recommends an inpatient treatment facility, he can also keep a close watch on your potassium levels and vital signs. Recovery will involve outpatient support, as well as nutritional support in order to prevent low potassium levels from reoccurring.
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