6 Warning Signs Of Potassium Deficiency In The Body

Potassium plays an important role in your body. It helps in fluid regulation, muscle contraction and mineral balance. Also, potassium blunts the effects of excessive sodium consumption.

The nutrient’s present in lots of healthy foods such as avocados, melon, bananas and white beans. But even if you get the recommended 4,700 mg per day, you still might have a potassium deficiency.

Do you know why? The more sodium you consume, the more potassium your body excretes.

See Also: This Ingredient May Be to Blame If You're Always Hungry.

Warning signs that you need more can be hard to notice. But if you experience any of the symptoms below, consult with your doctor to have your potassium levels tested.

1. You are Constipated

Low potassium levels can slow down other bodily functions and your digestive system is no exception. Abdominal cramping and bloating can also occur.

But, a potassium deficiency is not the only thing that can make you feel puffier than usual. You can familiarize yourself with the foods that can make you bloated.

Related: 5 Fruits to Eat When You are Constipated

2. You Experience General Fatigue

A common symptom of low potassium is a general feeling of fatigue. This type of fatigue is not due to overworking or overexertion. The feeling of tiredness and fatigue has no explainable reason.

Every cell in your body needs the correct amount of potassium to function and an inadequate amount of this mineral can affect the functioning of organs and cells. A deficiency of this mineral can lead to general weakness and fatigue.

You may have to put extra effort into performing your regular daily activities if your potassium level is low. Fatigue can be due to several health problems, therefore it is best to consult with your doctor to find out the exact cause.

See Also: How Sugar Could Be Causing Nutrient Deficiency In Your Body

3. You Have High Blood Pressure

Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium. Therefore it is critical to consume enough, to keep your blood pressure in check and at a healthy level.

See Also: How Drinking Cucumber Juice Can Lower Blood Pressure

4. You are Bloated All the Time

When you’re low on potassium, your body struggles to regulate its sodium levels, and can cause salt-induced bloating.

5. You Experience Heart Palpitations

Potassium deficiency can also affect your heart health. It is known to cause heart palpitations and an irregular heartbeat rhythm for no apparent reason at all.

Also, it can disrupt the coordinated, rhythmic contractions of the heart that are controlled by electrical impulses. An adequate number of potassium in the body helps protect your heart from heart attacks, heart disease and strokes.

If you are experiencing heart palpitations, you should see a doctor.

Related: Heart Palpitations at Night: What You Need to Know About Them

6. You Experience Tingling and Numbness

Potassium helps keep your nerves healthy. Without potassium, you may experience that annoying needles and pins sensation