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Low Potassium:
A Serious Deficiency Issue

Low potassium or potassium deficiency is a serious issue. Potassium, known as a macro-mineral, means we need relatively large amounts in our body for proper health and development of our muscles. The proper balance of potassium in our system is controlled by the kidney so any excess is flushed from our system through your urine output.

What Is Potassium's Purpose In Our Health

Potassium is vitally important for the proper functioning of every nerve and muscle in our body. 98% of our body's potassium is stored in the cells where they control the mild electrical impulses which aids in the proper functioning of all muscles, especially the heart muscle.

In extreme cases, having low potassium levels can lead to sudden death. This is because with a potassium deficiency, there is no electrical impulses generated through the heart muscle. This means the heart has stopped beating.

Because of mounting evidence from on-going research, there is also a strong possibility that a diet high in potassium can reduce your risk of a stroke and also reduce high blood pressure.

Causes Of Low Potassium Levels In The Human Body

Lack of potassium-rich foods in your diet is not the only contributing factor. Other reasons also include:

continuous use of water pills- diuretics
excessive or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
prolonged illness/medications (especially asthma medications)
kidney failure
malnutrition
failure to ingest enough foods high in potassium either because of allergies, intolerance or by choice

Symptoms of Potassium Decline

The first thing most people think of after a hot summer day is they need salt tablets. What your body actually needs though is a replenishment of electrolytes. Potassium is an electrolyte. Instead of reaching for those salt tablets, reach for something high in potassium, like an orange. Peel it and enjoy as it helps to replenish the missing fluids in your body.

With low levels of potassium you will notice the following:

weakness,tiredness, cramping of the arms and legs(this is the loss of electrolytes from excessive sweating)
tingling, numbness
nausea, vomiting
abdominal cramping and bloating
constipation
sensation of irregular heart palpitations

Good Sources To Replenish Potassium Levels

Potassium is found abundantly in many fruits and some vegetables. Oranges and fresh squeezed orange juice, avocados, bananas, tomatoes, peaches, raisins, apricots and cantaloupes are all great sources. Others include potatoes with the skins, yogurt, milk, peanuts, nuts and seeds.

Summary

Therefore by preventing low potassium levels because of the removal of nuts and peanuts from your diet, you can expect the support and strength in your muscles which are needed for proper muscle contraction. Even with a peanut or tree nut allergy you can still expect optimal health and fitness.

Return to "Peanut Free Diet" from "Low Potassium"

Return to "Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency" from "Low Potassium".

*Disclaimer*
This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.

SBI!