mrsamct
Registred
Joined: 06 Aug 2011
Posts: 207
|
 Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:42 pm Post subject: Causes of Potassium Deficiency |
 |
|
eletronic parts
Alberta Photography Studio
Potassium is a mineral with the symbol K which consists of 19 protons and 19 electrons. For your information, potassium is essential for normal body functioning of all cells, nervous and muscle functions. It also regulates nerve impulses, prevents excess fluid retention, and is very important for the smooth metabolism of the body. So it's very obvious that people should be well aware of the causes of potassium deficiency, so that it can be prevented in the near future.
Causes of Potassium Deficiency
Indeed knowing the causes of potassium deficiency or hypokalemia can help you make uniformed decisions about your health. Before we begin to understand the potassium deficiency causes, let's understand the concept of potassium deficiency. Potassium is a mineral which is very necessary for ideal health. It helps in maintaining the water and acid balance in blood. If the body suffers from low potassium levels, the whole nervous system gets affected. Normal functioning of the heart and major muscles get disrupted and people suffer from a weak immune system. Doctors recommend 4.7 gms of potassium daily for proper growth and development of the human mind and body.
Potassium deficiency occurs due to low potassium in blood. Low potassium in body is rare, but it can be caused through various reasons. One of the main causes of low potassium is an unhealthy diet. Loss of potassium due to frequent urination and diarrhea is also a common cause of potassium deficiency. People who have been on strong medications for quite sometime often suffer kidney damage, which affects the ability of the kidneys to retain potassium thus leading to potassium deficiency. Consuming some products like laxatives, steroids and fat burners without proper recommendations are also one of the main causes of potassium deficiency.
Potassium Deficiency Symptoms in Humans
As I have mentioned before, potassium is an important mineral for the ideal growth and development of the body. One of the main causes of potassium deficiency is having a poor diet and having irregular eating habits. Potassium is an important part of the process of protein synthesis where the body breaks down proteins into various acids. So let's have a look at signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency.
Fatigue: Life today is tough. We all are in time consuming jobs which just can't be ignored and we start ignoring our health. Effects of potassium deficiency in women and men can be very disastrous as they leave them feeling tired and exhausted easily. Potassium ensures the smooth functioning if muscles and low potassium means, tired muscles. Muscle weakness and spasms are common potassium deficiency signs.
Stomach Problems: Continuous vomiting, constipation and diarrhea can be the most visible potassium deficiency symptoms in humans. A potassium deficiency can also be the side effect of surgical operation on the bowel, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowels.
Damage to the Kidneys: Our kidneys need potassium so that they can function properly. If the body doesn't get the required levels of potassium it can lead to severe kidney damage, which is also known hypokalemic nephropathy.
Paralysis: Low potassium levels means prevention of proper movement of muscles. If a person's diet is not having adequate potassium for long, he/she may suffer from paralysis. This illness is dangerous as it may affect the main muscles, lungs and even heart.
Dysrhythmia: Dysrhythmia is a medical illness in which there is irregular beating of the heart beat. This condition is particularly common in people who have heart disease. If not treated on time, dysrhythmia can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and frequent sweating. If not taken immediate care, dysrhythmia can also cause cardiac arrest.
Hypokalemia Treatment
In respect to the various symptoms and causes of potassium deficiency, it's recommended that you visit a doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe medications that have a potassium coating to cure symptoms like acne, constipation and muscle pain. The patient should start following a high potassium diet in order to have sufficient levels of potassium in his body. Foods like banana, potato, watermelon, beans, tomato, dried fruits and orange are best examples of foods containing potassium.
I hope this article on causes of potassium deficiency has given you all the necessary information you needed to know. Always remember to follow a balanced diet and to consume regular prescription of drugs as prescribed by the doctor, if you suffer from this problem.
_________________
mrsamct |
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
