A low level of potassium in your blood will lead to symptoms that can interfere with your quality of life, but headaches are not one of those symptoms. If you are concerned that your diet is deficient in potassium and other essential nutrients, you should understand the symptoms that you may experience as well as ways to avoid them.
Symptoms of a Potassium Deficiency
Low blood potassium or hypokalemia will result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, general body fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation and arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythms. These symptoms can cause pain and discomfort but do not lead to headaches. The Mayo Clinic website states that your potassium level is evaluated with a blood test, and the ideal level is between 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). It adds that if your level falls below 2.5 mEq/L, it can be life-threatening. A potassium deficiency is usually the result of excessive loss of potassium.
What Causes Low Potassium
Low blood potassium is caused by many factors, including the use of diuretic medications and long-term use of antibiotics. Kidney diseases are also a known cause of potassium deficiency, as are excessive sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. Dietary causes are rare, but it is possible if you do not consume a diet that is high in potassium-containing foods or if you suffer from an eating disorder such as bulimia.
Potassium and Diet
To avoid a dietary deficiency, you need to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables. These foods are good sources of potassium and offer a healthy way to get the daily potassium you need. Other sources include meats, dairy products, nuts and yogurt. The ideal intake of potassium is 4,700 mg for males and females over the age of 14. A balanced diet that contains a variety of these foods is the ideal way to supply your body with potassium.
Considerations
Headaches can have several origins. According to MedlinePlus, these causes can be related to dehydration, stress, anxiety, depression, missed meals and alcohol use. PubMed Health adds that headaches are not symptoms of a low potassium level. If you suffer from the symptoms of a potassium deficiency, you need to consult your doctor to determine the cause. If it is dietary, consider a daily multivitamin to help you meet the ideal intake. If you suffer from headaches often, you should consult your doctor to determine if there is an underlying health problem.
