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The Curious Bag
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Potassium plays many important roles in the body that include maintaining the health of the heart, nerves and muscles. Hypokalemia--low potassium levels--can trigger several complications. Several causes exist that range from diarrhea to certain medications.
Fluid Loss
You can also lower potassium levels through excessive fluid loss from things like diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating and taking medications that encourage excessive urination.
Medicine
Certain medicines can interfere with proper potassium levels. They include diuretics, antibiotics like carbenicillin, gentamicin and amphotericin B medications used for asthma and emphysema, insulin and excessive use of laxatives--one of the most common causes, according to Emedicinehealth.com.
Kidney Problems
The kidneys help maintain normal potassium levels in the body. Several conditions can comprise this function. Examples include tubal renal acidosis, acute or chronic kidney failure, Cushing's syndrome, Liddle syndrome, Faconi Syndrome, hyperaldosteronism and Bartter syndrome, according to the National Library of Medicine
Dietary Issues
Malnutrition, bulimia and consuming lots of licorice containing glycyrrhetinic acid in the form of teas, chewing tobacco and foods can also lower potassium levels.
Other Causes
Other possible causes include magnesium deficiency, leukemia and using enemas according to Emedicinehealth.com
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