Potassium is important for muscle strength, nerve functioning, and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Sources :
- melon
- avocados
- bananas
- white beans
Daily requirement is 4,700 mg.
But even if get this daily required amount, you still might have a deficiency. This is because the more sodium you consume, the more potassium your body excretes.
If you experience any of these signs and can’t figure out what’s behind them, check in with your doc to have your potassium levels tested.
1. Generalized Fatigue
Every cell in your body needs the right amount of potassium to function, and a sustained low level can result in generalized fatigue. As long as you are getting enough sleep but you keep getting fatigued on little exertion, low potassium might be the cause.
2. Raise In Blood Pressure
Potassium helps relax blood vessels and without enough of it, they can become constricted, which causes an increase in blood pressure.
3. Muscle Aches/Spasms
Potassium plays a role in smooth muscle contraction, so when levels are low, you might experience aches and even spasms.
4. Palpitations
How do you feel when you hear your heart pound for no apparent reason or when you notice skipped heart beats? Scary right? Lots of things can cause skipped beats or palpitations, but low potassium is one of them.
5. Slow Heart rate
A large drop in potassium levels can slow your heartbeat enough to make you feel like you’re going to pass out. It’s not common, and many other factors can be the cause, but if you experience this, see your M.D. right away.
6. Pins And Needles Sensation
Potassium helps keep your nerves healthy, and without it, you may experience that annoying pins and needles sensation.
Consuming processed foods almost ensures that you have low potassium because of all the sodium chips, crackers, and frozen meals contain, says Brill. Cut back on the salty stuff to help your body hold on to more of the potassium you’re eating.
Consult your doctor immediately if you think you might be having potassium deficiency.
MD(MBBS)
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