Potassium is a macro-mineral that your body uses to maintain your body's blood chemistry and the balance and fluids in your body. If you deplete the potassium in your body, you can develop hypokalemia, or low blood potassium, which can lead to symptoms that can impact your quality of life.
Causes
Hypokalemia has many different causes, including excessive diarrhea, sweating or vomiting, eating disorders, medication use and long-term antibiotic use. PubMed Health adds that kidney diseases that affect your body's ability to retain potassium can also lead to the condition. Kidney disease takes many years to develop and is often asymptomatic. You are at a risk for kidney disease if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or if kidney disease runs in your family.
Symptoms
Low blood potassium can lead to symptoms if it is present for a long period of time, including muscle spasms, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, a loss of muscle fibers, constipation, fatigue and even paralysis of various body parts. According to PubMed Health, a small depletion of potassium does not usually cause symptoms, and the most common cause of hypokalemia is the use of diuretic medications. A simple blood test is used to determine if your blood potassium levels are in the ideal range.
Treatment
If you deplete your potassium levels to a point that causes symptoms, your doctor might prescribe potassium supplements. You might also need to change your medication. If the cause is from kidney disease or another condition, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment. Most mild cases resolve quickly with supplementation, dietary changes or intravenous potassium. If you have symptoms of hypokalemia, but do not know if your levels are in the healthy range, you need to talk to your doctor about having a blood test to determine your blood potassium level.
Considerations
Eating a diet that includes a variety of foods is the best defense against low blood potassium because the electrolyte mineral is found in many foods, including red meat, chicken, vegetables, fruit, milk and yogurt. The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for potassium is 4,700 mg per day for adult males and females.
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