Understanding Low Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that is needed by the body. It is classified as an electrolyte due to the fact that it has electrical properties when dissolved in blood fluid. It is necessary for the proper function of cells and works hand in hand with sodium. Together these electrolytes balance the fluid in the body. Potassium controls fluid inside cells while sodium controls fluid outside cells. Potassium also works to help muscle contraction within the body, including the heart.

A test can very easily be run while at the doctor's office. A Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a common request when blood is drawn in the doctor's office at regular check-ups. This blood test is a group of 8 specific tests consisting of glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, CO2, chloride, BUN (blood urea nitrogen), and creatinine. Potassium has a normal range of 3.5 to 5.5 and anything less than the 3.5 is considered low potassium and should be discussed with your doctor.

With a healthy diet, people should get enough potassium naturally. However, many people eat so many processed foods as opposed to whole foods that the potassium intake is lower than should be. There are common guidelines available for how much potassium the body needs daily from diet, with or without supplements. All those ages 14+ need approximately 4,700 mg/day. This amount varies for both children and breastfeeding women. Getting the appropriate amount of protein through diet will help with the levels in the body, and lowering the amount of sodium has been shown to help as well.

The most common symptom of low potassium is muscle cramps, such as in the legs or arms, and this would be what to watch out for. Other symptoms are more general and could point to a variety of sources. Some of the other symptoms could be weakness, tiredness, tingling/numbness, nausea, abdominal cramping, constipation, heart palpitations, passing large amounts of urine, or being very thirsty.

As shown above, potassium affects many different parts of the body. Therefore, having low potassium is associated with a variety of possible conditions to develop such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders, and infertility. Addressing low potassium and working to correct the issue can help in prevention of further complications.

There are some potassium-rich food sources that may help with raising potassium levels naturally within the body. Some of these natural food sources include bananas, avocados, nuts, citrus fruit, leafy green vegetables, and potatoes. Cooking will diminish potassium, so eating raw will ensure that nutrients have not been lost.

Whether a patient has symptoms or an issue is found in blood work, be sure to follow up with a physician to correct a problem of low potassium.

Potassium. WebMD. 3 August 2010. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-lifestyle-guide/supplement-guide-potassium>

Low Potassium. E-Medicine Health. 3 August 2010.