Potassium Deficiency

Amitriptyline & Potassium Deficiencies

Your physician may prescribe amitriptyline to treat a number of conditions, including depression, but when you require a medical procedure, other medications prescribed during this time may react with it and trigger potassium deficiencies. Consult your physician about these interactions, and understand how to counteract this deficiency to maintain good health.

All About Potassium Deficiency

Potassium & Boron Deficiency

There is no AI or Recommended Dietary Allowance for boron, but the UL, or upper limit, for boron is 20 mg per day for adults. The World Health Organization has set an acceptable range of boron to be 1 mg to 13 mg per day. The c...

Gastrointestinal Potassium Deficiency

Hypokalemia, or a deficiency of potassium in your blood, has many causes, including excessive vomiting, sweating and urination. An eating disorder, as well as any disease that impairs the function of your kidneys, increases you...

OCD and Potassium Deficiency

This condition is not caused by potassium deficiency. As of 2011, there are no peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies suggesting the two are related. However, there are disorders that can involve a potassium deficiency which ha...

Numb Feet and Potassium Deficiency

Most people consume sufficient amounts of nutrients from a varied, nutritious diet, although certain conditions may lead to a deficiency of potassium as well as a depletion of other important vitamins and minerals. A potassium ...

Potassium Deficiency & Edema

Edema, or fluid retention, affects most people at some time. It frequently occurs in response to eating too much salt or staying in the same position too long. Although a potassium deficiency is not a known factor in the develo...

Salt Intake and Potassium Deficiency

When your salt intake is high, your potassium intake may be low -- and that's the opposite of what your body needs. American diets tend to be heavier on salty processed foods -- which represent the major sources of sodium -- an...

The Periodic Limb Movement Disorder & Potassium Deficiency

Electrolytes are essential for function of all the cells in your body. Low levels of potassium can cause neuromuscular problems that can manifest in a variety of ways. Potassium deficiencies may be involved in a condition known...

Potassium Chloride Deficiency

However, the potassium chloride compound never exists within the body since the compound separates into its individual components during digestion. But since potassium and chloride play similar roles in the body, a deficiency o...

Frequent Urination and a Potassium Deficiency

There are several conditions associated with a deficient level of potassium in your blood. One is excessive excretion of the electrolyte through frequent urination. Because insufficient serum potassium is a serious threat to yo...

Daily Potassium Deficiency

Fortunately, in most cases, a nutritious, balanced diet will provide the required intake of potassium. It is particularly plentiful in foods such as meat, fish, beans and dairy products. However, some health conditions can cau...

Serum Potassium Deficiency and Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1.3 million Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. For many patients with rheumatoid arthritis, serum potassium levels fall below those of healthy adults and ma...

Can Too Much Water Cause a Potassium Deficiency?

It is also available as a supplement, or in a multivitamin. The recommended dietary intake is 2,000 mg daily for all adults. Under normal conditions, your body is good at regulating the amount of potassium in your blood. Howeve...

The Effects of Potassium Deficiency on Hair

It plays an especially important role in the function of your heart and other types of muscles. A potassium deficiency, known as hypokalemia, has several important consequences. However, it does not appear to affect hair.

Does a Potassium Deficiency Causes Purpura?

These spots occur when blood leaks from tiny vessels. Certain factors can increase your risk of purpura, although the cause often remains unknown. Vitamin deficiencies, including potassium deficiencies, are unlikely to contribu...

How Long Does It Take to Correct a Potassium Deficiency?

The length of time it takes to correct a potassium deficiency varies from person to person, so it's difficult to give a definitive answer that applies to everyone. First, the cause of the deficiency must be diagnosed and correc...

Kidney Stones & Potassium Deficiency

If you have experienced kidney stones in the past, you will likely take many steps to prevent future recurrences, which are significantly more likely if you have previously had a kidney stone. One of the steps you can take is m...

Potassium Deficiency and Nausea

The levels of potassium in the bloodstream are finely controlled, so small changes in the concentration of this element can have serious medical and health consequences. A potassium deficiency is called hypokalemia, and one of ...

Albuterol & Potassium Deficiency

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 20 million Americans are diagnosed with asthma and every day 30,000 people suffer an acute asthma attack. While albuterol is typically used to treat these attacks, albu...

Potassium Deficiency & Stress

Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity within your fluids and tissues. Physical stress that creates prolonged or excessive sweating, such as strenuous exercise, can deplete the amount of potassium in your body, le...

Potassium Deficiencies Caused by Salt

Potassium is essential for cell, heart and muscle function, among other bodily processes. A deficiency in this mineral can be dangerous and is known as hypokalemia. Your body's balance of potassium depends on the amount of magn...

Lightheadedness and Potassium Deficiency

All cells, tissues and organs require potassium. As an electrolyte, potassium has the ability to dissociate and form ions which conduct electricity. Potassium concentrations, both inside and outside of cells, are tightly contro...

Potassium Deficiency and Muscle Tightness

Too much or too little potassium can cause symptoms that vary from minor annoyances to life-threatening conditions. Muscle cramping is one of the symptoms of mild potassium deficiency. Your doctor will do a blood test if he or ...

Potassium Deficiency and Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can come on suddenly and be painfully debilitating. The bane of many an athlete, leg cramps can sometimes be caused by insufficient levels of certain nutrients in your body. Potassium is a mineral that is commonly a...

Potassium Deficiency & Water Pills

Medically referred to as diuretics, water pills are meant to help your body remove excess sodium and water. In the process, they may also cause you to lose potassium, another important electrolyte in your blood.

Potassium Deficiency and Tomatoes

Potassium is a nutrient that supports healthy blood pressure, muscle contraction and digestion. A potassium deficiency is referred to as hypokalemia and can cause many health complications. Including a supplement in your diet c...

Potassium Deficiency & Mental Health

Medications, disease and excessive vomiting and diarrhea can cause a deficiency of potassium, Medline Plus notes. The consequences of a potassium deficiency range from muscle cramping to disruption of your heart rhythm to psych...

The Connection Between Hair Loss & Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is an essential mineral that is involved in many bodily functions, including hair growth. While certain nutrient deficiencies can result in hair loss, a potassium deficiency is not known to cause your hair to fall out...

Medication for Calcium & Potassium Deficiencies

If your diet consistently lacks these nutrients, your doctor may also advise that you include more potassium- and calcium-rich foods in your diet in addition to taking a supplement until your levels reach a healthy range and yo...

Brain Fog and a Potassium Deficiency

Proper levels of potassium are critical to how your heart and brain function. Low levels of potassium can interrupt electrical signals that drive the brain, causing confusion, sluggish thoughts and brain fog. The body tightly r...

Deficiency of Potassium in the Blood

Potassium is a mineral found in a variety of foods you eat. This includes meats, fish, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Just as potassium is plentiful in the diet, it is plentiful in the body, where it is used to build pr...

The Cause of a Potassium Deficiency

It is also important for metabolic processes and all cell, tissue and organ functions. The body maintains a tight regulation of potassium concentration both inside and outside of cells. A potassium deficiency, also known as hyp...

Potassium Deficiency & Thyroid Hormones

Potassium is an essential mineral that serves many bodily functions, including helping regulate the production and function of your thyroid hormones. Your thyroid gland is located on the front of your neck and is responsible fo...

What to Do for a Potassium Deficiency

The mineral is also needed for muscle development and heart activity. Most people consume enough potassium so that deficiency is not an issue. But dehydration, the overuse of diuretics and chronic kidney disease can cause you t...

Potassium Deficiency in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is important that you consume adequate amounts of potassium to ensure the normal function of your own body, as well as the normal development of your child. Your body's nutrient demands naturally increase d...

Can Potassium Deficiency Make Your Legs Tingle?

Potassium is an essential element for good health. Potassium helps to maintain a pH balance in the body. It also plays a role in helping carbohydrates to metabolize. Without potassium, your muscles would not be healthy and woul...

Potassium Deficiency Solutions

Potassium is an essential mineral that you need in your blood if you want your body to function properly. It is a macromineral that is found in a variety of foods. A potassium deficiency is a condition that has many causes, inc...

Muscle Weakness From Potassium Deficiency

If your serum potassium levels fall too low, your muscles can pay a price. Potassium plays an important part in maintaining your muscle strength, and a severe potassium deficiency can cause life-threatening results by weakening...

Potassium Deficiency & Dosage

Potassium is also needed for converting the carbohydrates you eat into energy and creating proteins from amino acids. Consuming the right amount of potassium can help prevent potassium deficiency.

What Medications Leave You With a Potassium Deficiency?

Potassium is a mineral that helps nerves and muscles function properly and is mainly obtained from foods. The kidneys help remove excess potassium to maintain proper balance of the mineral in the body. Having a very low potass...

Obesity & Potassium Deficiency

As obesity rates in the United States spiral upward, scientists have investigated a number of underlying causes and co-occurring conditions, as well as the health consequences of obesity. Low potassium levels may be a serious o...

Calcium, Iron & Potassium Deficiencies

Calcium is a mineral important in the development, growth and healing of bones. Iron is important in the function of red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Potassium is important for the proper funct...

Potassium Deficiency and Muscle Cramps

Normal contraction of all the muscles throughout the body is regulated by potassium in each muscle cell. However, if your body becomes deficient in potassium, the control you have over muscle contraction is inhibited, and painf...

Potassium Deficiency & Muscles

Keeping your level of potassium within a normal range is the responsibility of the kidneys. A small potassium deficiency does not usually cause any symptoms. However, if the level drops very low, because potassium is vital for ...

How Does Potassium Deficiency Occur in the Elderly?

The electrolyte potassium is important to the function of your cells, tissues and organs, and it helps maintain fluid balance. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide the best source for your daily potassium requirement of 2,000 mg...

Low-Grade Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is important for the normal functioning of muscles, including involuntary muscles such as the heart. Thankfully, potassium deficiency, called hypokalemia, is a rare occurrence in developed societies. Potassium can be ...

Can Potassium Deficiency Cause Glaucoma?

Some health conditions, such as diabetes, may increase your risk for glaucoma, but these conditions will not cause glaucoma. Understanding your health problems, such as a potassium deficiency, will help you determine your risk ...

Does a Potassium Deficiency Cause Muscle Cramps?

Potassium is an essential electrolyte concentrated within the cells of your body. It affects the way neuromuscular cells discharge and regenerate energy. An imbalance in serum potassium levels impacts normal body functions. Hyp...

Classic Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency

Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, occurs when there is not enough potassium in your blood. MayoClinic.com reports that you need sufficient amounts of potassium so that your muscles, nerves and heart can function properly. L...

Heart Problems From Potassium Deficiency

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells for proper cell and organ functioning. Heart problems can be deadly because they may deprive the organs of blood. Potassium deficiency can have many causes and is dangerous becaus...

Hamstring Cramps & Potassium Deficiency

Muscle cramps can come on abruptly and be very painful. Hamstring muscles, located in the back top of the thigh, are prone to cramps. Common causes of muscle cramps are tight and overworked muscles, dehydration and underlying m...

Potassium Deficiency & Severely Dry Skin

They do their job by passing around electrical charges through which information is relayed. Potassium carries a strong charge and is essential to every biochemical function of the body. Severely dry skin is a symptom of potass...

Potassium Deficiency and Dry Eyes

The tear film consists of three layers, and if one of these layers does not have the proper consistency or quality, this may cause dry eye. If your eye does not make enough tears, you may also have dry eyes. Certain health cond...

Tachycardia & Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is an electrolyte, or a mineral in the body that has an electric charge. When the potassium that is in the bloodstream reaches the kidneys, they will reabsorb most of this mineral, trying to keep as much as possible i...

Potassium Deficiency & Peripheral Vision

The average adult requires around 4,700 mg of potassium daily, and if you consume less than this amount, you have a risk for deficiency. Knowing if symptoms, such as changes in your peripheral vision, could indicate a potassium...

Potassium Deficiency in Women

It helps maintain a proper balance between water and salts in cells and bodily fluids, it is crucial for nerve function, and it is needed by muscles for contraction. Deficiency in potassium is called hypokalemia, a situation th...

Types of Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

If your potassium levels fall below this range, your doctor may diagnose you with potassium deficiency -- also called hypokalemia. Low potassium levels may cause different types of symptoms throughout your body. Seek additional...

Potassium Deficiency & Candida

Each piece, or body system, is designed by a natural order that has used its form to create one unified image. Sometimes, this image is distorted by invaders like candida and health issues are born. Candida has a multitude of u...

What Is an Early Symptom of Potassium Deficiency?

Potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, is a disorder that occurs when the levels of potassium in the blood drops below healthy levels. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that is needed for several criti...

The Most Common Symptom of Potassium Deficiency

As an electrolyte, it is a vital component of several bodily functions, since it helps control muscle contraction, maintains healthy bones and regulates normal blood pressure, among others. Potassium deficiency is a serious con...

Test for Potassium Deficiency

Sodium and potassium work together to make sure your body has the right water balance, and potassium is necessary for normal activity in the nerve and muscle cells, especially your heart muscle. If you are experiencing sympto...

Potassium Deficiency Symptoms in the Legs

If the amount of potassium in your blood falls below 2.5 milliequivalents per liter or mEq/L, you may be diagnosed with potassium deficiency, according to MayoClinic.com. Potassium deficiency, also called hypokalemia, may be ca...

Potassium Deficiency in Men

Approximately 95 percent of the potassium in a man's body is located inside of the cells. The remaining 5 percent is dispersed throughout the fluid outside of your cells, including the blood. A deficiency in potassium, known m...

Sjogren's Disease and Potassium Deficiency

As a result, the eyes can become so dry that it feels as though there is sand in them. The mouth can become so dry that it may be hard to swallow. People with this condition commonly have a potassium deficiency, which contribut...

Health Issues with a Potassium Deficiency

The potassium content inside cells is about 30 times higher than outside cells, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A potassium deficiency, also called hypokalemia, is rare but can occur in people with medical conditions ...

Potassium Deficiency and the Heart

Low levels of potassium, medically known as hypokalemia, can cause problems with your heart. Hypokalemia occurs when the normal balance between the amount of potassium taken in and the amount leaving your body in urine is disru...

Low Potassium Deficiency

Potassium, a mineral, is an important electrolyte, necessary for electrical and cellular bodily functions. People ordinarily ingest sufficient potassium in food and drinks. When low potassium occurs, termed hypokalemia, many ar...

What to Avoid If You Have Potassium Deficiency

Potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, is a condition in which blood levels of potassium are lower than normal. Potassium is a mineral in the body which helps balance bodily fluids and plays an important role in nerve...

Calcium and Potassium Deficiency

Minerals are separated into two categories: major minerals and trace minerals. Major minerals are needed by the body in larger amounts than trace minerals. Calcium and potassium are both major minerals. Low dietary intake of ca...

How Potassium Deficiency Develops

A potassium deficiency, also called hypokalemia, is rarely the result of too little intake because a wide range of foods contain potassium. Instead, the problem is usually the result of an underlying disorder or the use of medi...

Arrhythmia & Potassium Deficiency

Potassium deficiency, also referred to as hypokalemia, occurs when the body does not contain enough potassium to properly carry out its functions. Your level of potassium usually falls between 3.6 and 4.8 mEq/L of blood. When p...

Potassium Deficiency and Too Much Sodium

Sodium and potassium are two of the major electrolytes within the body. Electrolytes are electrically charged particles that help transmit impulses to nerves and muscle tissues. An imbalance of too much or too little of electro...

Thyroid Potassium Deficiency

The thyroid glands are responsible for producing and secreting thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate how fast or slow the body works. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid glands over produce thyroid hormones. ...

Potassium Deficiency Diseases

It is very important because the heart and nervous system must have potassium to function. Potassium helps build muscles and proteins, and helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates. Having a deficiency can lead to several diso...

Potassium Deficiency & Headaches

While it is well-known that bananas are a good source of potassium, abundant sources of potassium are available in a balanced diet. Therefore, it is possible but not common to develop a potassium deficiency with an adequate die...

Potassium Deficiency Disorder

Many foods contain potassium, so it is rare for potassium deficiency to occur due to a lack of potassium in the diet, according to Medline Plus. However, certain medications and health conditions can cause this problem, which c...

Overview of Potassium Deficiency in the Elderly

Much of it is stored in the cells while a small amount remains circulating in the bloodstream. Some elderly patients become deficient in potassium but it is usually a treatable condition.

The Reasons for a Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is an electrolyte needed by the body for heart, nerve and muscle function. Symptoms of a potassium deficiency, also called hypokalemia, include dizziness upon standing, a weak pulse, shallow breathing, weakness, nause...

Potassium Deficiency Causes & Treatments

Numerous conditions or factors can cause hypokalemia, or a potassium deficiency. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, potassium helps a person's muscles and nerves function properly, maintains the proper electroly...

Potassium Deficiency Signs & Symptoms

Potassium is a mineral responsible for the electrical and cellular body functions. Having an extremely low level of potassium in the blood is called hypokalemia and is normally the resultant symptom of another disease or condit...

What Are the Concerns of Potassium Deficiency?

Generally, people can procure enough potassium through a healthy diet so that the kidneys function to keep potassium levels in proper balance, according to MedlinePlus. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, may occur for severa...

What Causes Potassium Deficiency?

Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of nerve and muscle cells, especially the heart muscle. People ingest potassium through food. A potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia can occur for a number of reasons...

A Potassium Deficiency and Depression

Potassium is necessary for brain functioning because potassium controls channels that are key components in shaping the firing activity of neurons, according to an article published in 2006 in "Nature Neuroscience." Potassium w...

Potassium Deficiency in Children

It is the most common element inside cells, especially muscle cells. Hypokalemia is the medical term that describes low potassium levels in the bloodstream. Potassium deficiency in a child can be caused by nutritional deficienc...

The Effects of Potassium Deficiency in Humans

Potassium is an important mineral involved in muscle contractions, protein function and the balance of fluids in the body. It comes from a variety of foods. Potassium deficiency, or low blood levels of potassium, is generally a...

What Are the Causes of Potassium Deficiency in Humans?

Doctors recommend getting 4.7 grams of potassium per day in a healthy diet that includes meats, fish such as salmon, fruits, vegetables and legumes, according to Colorado State University. A potassium deficiency, a potentially ...

Conditions Linked to Potassium Deficiency

Several medical conditions are linked to potassium deficiency. According to the MedlinePlus website, hypokalemia is a lower-than-normal level of potassium in your blood. Hypokalemia is a symptom, not a disease. Numerous factors...

Signs of Human Potassium Deficiency

Foods that contain potassium include meat, fish, soy products, vegetables and fruit. Having too little potassium, known as hypokalemia, has very serious consequences. Certain signs that appear can help determine a potassium def...

How to Treat Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is an essential element that helps maintain the balance between body cells and fluid. It also plays a key role in enabling nerves to respond to stimulation. Potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, occurs when...

Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency From Diarrhea

All human cells contain potassium, which supports the metabolic functions of the body tissues. Severe diarrhea can cause significant losses of total body potassium, which may lead to a potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia. The ...

Diet for Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is an essential mineral. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, can cause serious health problems and be life threatening. A healthy diet can provide all the potassium a person needs to prevent and treat hypokalemia, ...

Body Signs of Potassium Deficiency

When potassium levels in the body are low, any or all of these systems may be adversely affected. Common signs of potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) are muscle weakness or cramping, skin problems, cardiovascular problems and c...

Human Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

Potassium, an electrolyte, is important for proper cell, tissue and organ function. Potassium is obtained from eating foods that are high in potassium, such as meats, fruits, beans and potatoes. Low levels of potassium in the b...

Symptoms Associated With Potassium Deficiency

The body uses potassium for proper functioning of heart, nerve and muscle cells. Sometimes a disruption causes an imbalance in the system of the intake of potassium and the excretion of the mineral. Taking certain medications c...

What Are the Symptoms of a Potassium Deficiency?

Potassium deficiency is a medical condition that develops when your body has inadequate levels of potassium. This condition, which is also referred to as hypokalemia, most commonly occurs in patients who struggle with an eating...

What Are the Treatments for Potassium Deficiency?

The National Institutes of Health points out that potassium also is critical for the building of muscle and for normal body growth. There are various causes of a potassium deficiency, including medications used to treat heart c...

What Are the Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency?

As an electrolyte, potassium plays a crucial role in water balance and the maintenance of blood pressure. Potassium is also important for normal muscle and nerve function as well as conduction of the electrical impulses that co...

Deficiency of Potassium in Humans

Potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, disrupts these normal functions and may cause serious consequences. Proper treatment restores potassium levels to normal and prevents complications.

Deficiency in Potassium

You can have a slight potassium deficiency and never be aware of it, but a potassium level that is significantly lower than normal---a condition called hypokalemia---can be life threatening, according to the National Institutes...

Hair Loss Due to Potassium Deficiency

A potassium deficiency, also called hypokalemia, can actually cause your hair to fall out. High-salt diets cause excess sodium accumulation around the hair follicles, preventing the absorption of vital nutrients required for he...

Complete List of Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

It would be difficult for the cells to function without them. Low potassium is most commonly caused by the chronic use of diuretics (water pills); however, other diseases such as acidosis, diabetes and kidney disease can also c...

Effects of Potassium Deficiency

Potassium deficiency is uncommon in the United States, as most people obtain enough potassium through diet or supplementation with standard multivitamins. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or d...

Signs of a Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is necessary for the proper function of cells, nerves and muscles. A potassium deficiency, also referred to as hypokalemia, is caused by many factors including certain medications, diarrhea, eating disorders, sweating...

Potassium Deficiency Signs

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps to maintain fluid balance in the body. Potassium is vital to a number of body functions, such as muscle activity, nerve impulses and heart function. The recommended daily intake of potassi...

Signs of Potassium Deficiency

In addition to not eating enough potassium-rich foods, some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, can cause potassium deficiencies. Even a slight deficiency can cause serious side effects.