Potassium is an important mineral that is essential to human life. Potassium is responsible for metabolism and the function of your cells, tissues and organs. If you are faced with low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, you may be experiencing an array of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, muscle cramping and an irregular or rapid heart rate. There are several things that can cause you to have low potassium levels.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Leading an unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to low potassium levels. If you suffer from alcoholism, dehydration may occur from excessive alcohol intake, leading to frequent urination and in some cases, vomiting. Replacing a healthy meal with alcoholic drinks can negatively affect your health. Eliminating daily sources of potassium through healthy foods such as potatoes, green leafy vegetables and fruit juice in conjunction with the effects of excessive drinking can lead to low levels of potassium in the blood. Treating your alcoholism through inpatient therapy will allow you to get help with your condition and bring your potassium levels back into the normal range.
Gastrointestinal
If you have any type of gastrointestinal illness that goes untreated, the result could cause hypokalemia. Examples of some gastrointestinal conditions include colitis, diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome. With colitis, you may experience bouts of rectal bleeding and frequent bowel movements that may be watery or loose. Because of the loss of fluids and nutrients, your potassium levels could dip below the normal range of 3.7 mEq/L. Colitis can be acute, lasting only a short period of time, or it can be long-lasting and chronic.
Extreme Dieting
When you cut back on foods that contain water such as fruits and vegetables, you lose electrolytes. Electrolytes help to keep a balance of water and blood acidity in your body. Potassium is an important electrolyte, contributing to muscle action and regulating your heart rate. If you are also exercising excessively to lose weight, you may also lose potassium through sweating, especially if you don't replenish fluids lost with water or electrolyte replacement drinks.
Diuretics
If you are taking diuretics, it could affect your potassium levels. Diuretics are commonly found over-the-counter and can be purchased without a prescription. They are used for water retention, bloating and cramping associated with high sodium intake and premenstrual syndrome. Diuretics are found in some blood pressure medications that are prescribed by your physician. They can help reduce high sodium levels in the body, which in turn, helps to decrease pressure on your heart and artery walls.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- MayoClinic.com; Low Potassium; Aug. 2009
- MedlinePlus: Potassium Test
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: Diet and Nutrition
- Helpguide.org: Bulimia Nervosa
- MayoClinic.com; Can Diuretics Decrease Your Potassium Level?; Blood Pressure; Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D.; July 2011
Member Comments