Potassium Deficiency

One of the most important minerals needed by our body to remain healthy is potassium. The most vital function of Potassium is to keep blood pressure under control and aid in intra-cellular nutrient transfer. Potassium is helpful and useful in the smooth muscle functions, cellular functioning, contractions of muscles, building of muscles, nerve transmission and the conversion of glucose into the energy giving glycogen. It also regulates the secretion of aldosterone, which is a hormone found in the human body. The deficiency of potassium leads to a fatal medical condition in the human body known as Hypokalemia. Read on to know the causes and effects of potassium deficiency.

 

The main cause of potassium deficiency is poor dietary habits. Failure to intake little amounts of potassium in daily food may result in long term defects in the human body. Another reason could be excessive secretion of potassium from the human body through bowel movements. In case a person is undergoing some treatment and takes strong medication for the same, the side-effects may include low potassium levels in the body.

 

The effects or symptoms of deficiency of potassium in the human body are visible in the following forms: 

The symptoms and effects of Potassium deficiency are treated effectively in order to cure the condition of Hypokalemia. The physician may give medicines that have a potassium coating in order to cure symptoms like diarrhea or constipation or acne. The effected person is supposed to consume balanced diet in order to have sufficient levels of Potassium in the body. Essential food items that have potassium are Orange, banana, potato, tomato, watermelon, beans, some type of cereals, dried fruits such as peaches, dates, apricots, raisins etc., meat, grapes, milk, egg-yogurt, spinach, etc. These should be included in daily diet in small to moderate quantities in order to suffice potassium levels.