COMMON SYMPTOMS OF POOR POTASSIUM INTAKE

There are four main types of electrolytes in the human body. Potassium is one of them and this mineral is important as it makes its presence in every individual cell of our body. Having stated that, potassium is also much needed in regulating the water balance of the body. There was a time when it was imagined that we get potassium from every food source and not much importance was given to this mineral. It was completely incorrect and by the turn of the 19th-century potassium based deficiencies were on the rise.

It is now finally agreed that potassium too along with the other minerals should not be ignored. Lack of potassium can hamper the everyday regular functioning of your body vastly and many of the ailments can turn chronic if no proper care is given to it. They can affect your nervous system, digestion, cardiovascular system, and even your muscle functioning.

Potassium in low quantities sends out symptoms to your body regularly but all these are common symptoms and often we do not treat them with seriousness. But these general symptoms can be much worse in the long run. Do check out your potassium levels in your body and take adequate attention. Now, let us look at some of the warning signs a low potassium content sends out.

Some Warning Signs Of Poor Potassium Intake You Should Know About:

1. Muscle Spasm

Muscle cramps or spasms are a way your muscle responds when you suddenly exert undue pressure on it- Like lifting heavy weights or twisting the limb etc. However, if you get such cramps without any reasons or in a normal day to day work, then chances are that you have low potassium levels in your body. Potassium in a way is a type of electrolyte which is available in the body cells. They are very much needed for the proper functioning of the muscle and this includes contraction. Lack of potassium puts a restriction on the muscle behavior and they do not tend to get relaxed – Leading to muscle spasms and pulls. Next time you experience such symptoms frequently; do check your potassium levels in your body.

2. Tingling Sensation

Potassium is mandatory for the proper functioning of your central nervous system. Lack of it can lead to the poor transfer of impulses from the brain to the skin and tissues. This leads to a loss of senses and the area can get a tingling sensation and numbness in some cases. This generally occurs in the hands, toes, feet and the leg region. Some times these sensations in your legs can affect your posture and gait as you might not be having full control of your legs. Further to that these tingling sensations may be followed with muscle twitching. Look out for these symptoms and if they do not go away after a week, check your potassium levels in your blood with a test.

3. Constipation

Potassium is extremely important for the healthy functioning of your digestive system. Digestion is a process that relies mostly on muscles which contract and expand rhythmically to aid in the food break up. Potassium aids in this functionalities. Lack of it can hamper this process and the foods may not be properly digested and broken up. This leads to additional pressure in the system and this involuntarily leads to constipation. You might also experience irregular bowel movements and abdominal swelling due to lack of potassium in your body. Consult with your doctor regarding these and take the best possible precautions to avoid them in future.

4. High Blood Pressure

Potassium is also very much beneficial in relaxing your blood vessels. Lack of it can put additional stress on your vessels leading to the pressure in blood to rise. Also, potassium is needed in right quantities to balance the harmful effects of sodium. Lack of potassium disrupts this and inconsistent sodium levels can also lead to a spike in the blood pressure. This affects a person mostly when they age and it is advisable to get their potassium levels checked to be on the safer side. Test out your blood pressure and more importantly the factors that cause it and take adequate supplements and diagnosis for it.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is mostly associated when you over work and exert yourself. However, in certain cases, if you feel fatigued even though you are relaxed and comfortable, then those are an indication of something amiss in your system. The reason could be the lack of potassium. Each and every individual cell of your body require a good amount of potassium in their stream to perform at their fullest potential. Inadequate quantities of potassium can make your cells underperform and this can eventually lead to restlessness and you may feel tired all the time. Try to take up potassium supplements to overcome this or in best case try taking potassium from regular foods for better results. Do consult with your doctor on their side effects.

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