Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte, meaning it helps to conduct electrical impulses in your body. Because it is the most significant mineral present in the greatest amount inside your cells, potassium plays several important functions. Without enough potassium, you experience adverse side effects, including exhaustion. Quickly recognizing these effects is important; a low potassium level can ultimately lead to life-threatening events.
Significance
Potassium is responsible for generating the reactions in your body that help you move your muscles, and your brain send signals to your nervous system. When your body does not have enough potassium, you cannot complete these activities, so you experience fatigue and weakness. Your muscles also might cramp, leaving them fatigued after constant contractions and relaxations.
Additional Symptoms
Low potassium is difficult to diagnose because fatigue is a side effect of many underlying illnesses. Be aware of other symptoms of low potassium, including constipation and abnormal heart rhythms. If your fatigue is accompanied by these symptoms, see your physician immediately.
Levels
If you suspect a potassium deficiency, your physician can perform a blood test to measure your potassium level. The normal range is 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L, according to Mayo Clinic. Low potassium is considered to be less than 2.5 mmol/L. At this level, you can experience many harmful side effects, including fatigue.
Underlying Conditions
Lack of food is rarely the cause of low blood potassium. If you take diuretics, laxatives or steroids, these all can cause you to lose potassium. Diarrhea or vomiting can also cause you to lose potassium. Your physician might recommend taking a potassium supplement or drinking an electrolyte-containing beverage to re-incorporate potassium into your body.
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