You may not be that familiar with the potassium deficiency- but you definitely should. It is a highly important mineral for the proper functioning of the overall human body. However, some symptoms of a low level in the body can be alarming for your health.
Potassium is very important for the proper functioning of the muscles. It?is known as an electrolyte, and this helps to maintain a healthy balance of fluids in the body. It also helps to transmit electrical pulses to allow for proper nerve and muscle function. including the heart and assisting in maintaining proper blood pressure.
Almost 98% of it resides in the cells, so any small changes in its level can have serious effects on the nerves, heart and muscles.
Symptoms of Low Potassium Levels in the Body
1. Constipation
Constipation is almost always linked with low fiber. However, did you know that it can also be caused by low potassium levels? Remember that a decrease in the body?s level always affect the muscles in the body, which can make it increasingly difficult for the patient to have a bowel movement. Often, increasing the daily intake of potassium can help with the constipation, but you should definitely seek medical treatment to alleviate the pain and discomfort connected with this early warning symptom, as well as to be tested for low potassium levels in the blood.
2. General Fatigue
Another symptom of potassium deficiency is the general feeling of fatigue. So, you will feel tired not because of overexertion and overworking but of no explainable reason.
Because every cell in the human body needs potassium in order to function properly, a low level of it can significantly affect the functioning of the cells and organs.
So, if you experience some general fatigue without putting some extra effort during your normal daily activities, consult your physician to find out the right cause.
Have you ever tried to transform your life in some way, but found yourself reverting back to your old habits? If so this free online event will help you!
3. High Blood Pressure
Sodium and potassium both affect blood pressure, but they have opposite roles. Sodium raises your blood pressure, while potassium lowers it. An article published In the September 2012 issue of ?The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition? reports that 99.4 percent of all Americans consume more sodium than the American Heart Association’s recommended daily intake of 1,500 milligrams. This is in sharp contrast to getting just half of the recommended potassium. Consuming a diet high in sodium and low in potassium doubles your risk of dying from a heart attack, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
4. Feeling Bloated All the Time
When there is a low level of potassium in the body, it struggles to regulate the levels of sodium thus leading to salt-induced bloating. This can be temporay and can be related to having to much sodium in your body. Make sure that you are well hydrated to help relieve the bloat.
5. Heart Palpitations
First of all, any pain or problems with the heart should never be ignored. If you are experiencing chest pain or other issues that seem irregular with the heart, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Heart palpitations can be a very common symptom of low potassium levels, and this can often be corrected by a simple supplement regimen. But keep in mind that even though the heart irregularities could be caused by a deficiency, a patient must always be careful when it comes to any pain related to the heart.
As well as, it can disrupt the rhythmic and coordinated heart contractions which are controlled by electrical impulses. For that reason, make sure you get more potassium in order to protect your heart from heart diseases, heart attacks and strokes.
6. Numbness and Tingling
Potassium deficiency promotes the health of your nerves. If there is a lack of this important mineral, you may experience pins sensation and annoying needles.
