Potassium is a vital mineral that preserves nerve and muscle health. People who are deficient suffer from fatigue, muscle cramps and other uncomfortable symptoms. Severe deficiency can cause life-threatening complications. Eating a natural high-fiber diet is a good way to increase potassium levels. It is also available in over-the-counter and prescription supplements.

Background

Potassium's Role in the Body Potassium contributes to nerve and muscle cell activity, which includes the heart. Normal blood potassium levels range from 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (1 mEq/L = approx. 64 mg.). Symptoms of potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) include general weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeat and delirium. Blood tests are the most common way of detecting it. Chief causes are: use of diuretics, diarrhea, eating disorders, high laxative use, chronic kidney problems/failure, frequent vomiting, long-term use of aspirin, digitalis, and cortisone or the adrenal glands' overproduction of the hormone aldosterone. Diabetes can trigger it as well. Severe potassium deficiency can seriously weaken muscle and bones and cause central nervous system changes and decreased heart rate. It can be fatal.

Diet

High-Potassium Foods Many foods contain potassium. They include bananas, oranges, tomatoes, leafy greens such as spinach, parsley and lettuce, and melons, peas, beans, avocados and potatoes. It's also found in whole grains, seeds, nuts, fish and meat. Elson Haas, M.D., of the Periodic Paralysis News Desk explains that most people need twice as much potassium as sodium to prevent high blood pressure and, therefore, recommends a natural, low-sodium diet to maintain healthy potassium levels. Caffeine, high alcohol use and smoking reduce potassium levels; drug addicts and crash dieters (including those with anorexia and bulimia) are at risk of potassium deficiency as well. The Pennsylvania State University's Medical Center suggests that a parent of an infant or child who develops severe diarrhea or vomiting call a doctor for instructions on how to prevent hypokalemia.

Alternative Source

Supplements Potassium supplements are available over the counter, and Haas referred to studies that showed taking potassium and magnesium supplements helped reduce study subjects' high blood pressure. Another study of older adults who didn't respond well to blood pressure-lowering drugs responded well to potassium chloride supplements. Over-the-counter potassium supplements typically contain 99 mg. per tablet. Prescription dosages tend to range from 640 to 1,280 mg. per day. The Mayo Clinic advises people not to take potassium supplements unless a doctor recommends them.

Source:

Periodic Paralysis News Desk

Pennsylvania State University Medical Center

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-potassium/MY00760