Potassium deficiency rarely results from a low dietary intake. Potassium deficiency is called hypokalemia (hypo- means low and kalium is Latin for potassium). The causes of hypokalemia are related to excessive losses of potassium from the body. This can be caused by prolonged vomiting, certain drugs, and some forms of kidney disease. Large amounts of licorice can lower potassiumlevels. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which has effects similar to those of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that increases urinary excretion of potassium.
The symptoms of hypokalemia can result from alterations in membrane potential and lack of potassium for energy production. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, bloating, and intestinal sluggishness. Severe hypokalemia can result in muscular paralysis or abnormal heart rhythms that can be fatal.
Conditions that Increase the Risk of Low Blood Potassium.
The use of potassium-depleting diuretics Severe vomiting or diarrhea Alcoholism Bulimia Overuse of laxatives Magnesium depletion.
The symptoms of hypokalemia can result from alterations in membrane potential and lack of potassium for energy production. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, bloating, and intestinal sluggishness. Severe hypokalemia can result in muscular paralysis or abnormal heart rhythms that can be fatal.
Conditions that Increase the Risk of Low Blood Potassium.
The use of potassium-depleting diuretics Severe vomiting or diarrhea Alcoholism Bulimia Overuse of laxatives Magnesium depletion.
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