9 Causes of Potassium Deficiency and Its Impact on Health, Recognize as Early as Possible

Kapanlagi.com - Potassium deficiency or known as hypokalemia is a condition that occurs when the body's potassium levels are low. The average amount of potassium needed in adults ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Causes of potassium deficiency can occur due to various triggering factors that can affect body health.

Meeting the body's nutritional and vitamin needs is important to maintain good health. These nutrients and vitamins can be obtained from various types of food, fruits, or vegetables that are part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, some problems may be experienced, one of which is potassium deficiency, which can cause certain health disorders.

A person can be said to have potassium deficiency or be very low if the potassium level is below 2.5 mEq/L. This condition is often considered a serious condition related to potassium deficiency in the body. Because it can trigger various complications that have a fairly high level of risk.

The causes of potassium deficiency itself can be experienced due to several triggering factors, for example, related to the side effects of certain drugs. However, the causes of potassium deficiency can also occur due to other factors that need to be watched out for as early as possible.

The causes of potassium deficiency are as follows. The following are the causes of potassium deficiency that have been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Side Effects of Certain Medications

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The first cause of potassium deficiency can occur due to the side effects of certain medications. As we know, some types of medications can cause a number of side effects that are experienced by individuals with specific symptoms. One of them is causing the body to lack potassium. According to insider.com, some types of medications known to cause low potassium levels include antacids, aspirin, and antibiotics.

This condition occurs because these medications can cause a person to lose a lot of fluids, including diuretics, corticosteroids, and enemas, which are related to potassium deficiency. Consultation and examination with a doctor are necessary to get appropriate advice regarding the side effects of these medications on the low potassium levels in the body.

2. Experiencing Diarrhea and Vomiting

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The next cause of potassium deficiency can occur due to experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. Diarrhea is a digestive disorder that causes the sufferer to have more frequent bowel movements than usual. Diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria contaminating food.

When experiencing diarrhea, several symptoms can be felt including fever, headache, and abdominal pain. Experiencing diarrhea and vomiting is often associated with the occurrence of potassium deficiency that can be felt by someone.

3. Excessive Sweating

Experiencing excessive sweating can also be a cause of potassium deficiency. As previously known, potassium functions to maintain fluid balance in the body and regulate blood pressure. Experiencing excessive sweating is associated with the occurrence of potassium deficiency that can disrupt the balance of body fluids. There are several causes of excessive sweating including side effects of certain medications, medical conditions, or increased air temperature.

4. Disorders of the Adrenal Glands

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Other causes of potassium deficiency can also occur due to disorders of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands function to support hormone production, and damage can occur. Problems that occur in the adrenal glands are also known as Addison's disease, which is characterized by symptoms such as weak muscles, fatigue, drowsiness, and loss of appetite.

This condition can also be a cause of potassium deficiency in the body. The cause of Addison's disease can be experienced due to disrupted hormone production, such as mineralocorticoids that function to maintain the balance of potassium and sodium.

5. Insufficient Intake of Potassium-Containing Foods

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Meeting nutritional and vitamin needs can be obtained from a healthy diet, such as vegetables and fruits. In this case, it is related to the causes of potassium deficiency, which may be experienced because the body lacks or rarely consumes foods containing potassium. Some types of food high in potassium include bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and avocados. Therefore, meeting potassium needs from foods with high potassium content can be an easy choice to overcome potassium deficiency.

6. Kidney Disease

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The next cause of potassium deficiency can be triggered by kidney disease. Kidney disease occurs due to several factors such as medical conditions, kidney abnormalities, age factors, or obesity. In this case, kidney disease is also associated with potassium deficiency in the body. Although this condition is relatively rare, being aware of its risk level can be done as early prevention efforts.

7. Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis can also be a cause of potassium deficiency. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a health problem that occurs due to complications of diabetes. Some symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis that someone may experience include dehydration, weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. Consultation and examination with a doctor can be considered to overcome diabetic ketoacidosis.

8. Experiencing Bulimia

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The next cause of potassium deficiency can occur due to experiencing bulimia. Bulimia is a condition experienced by someone when they have an eating disorder. This eating disorder causes someone to want to vomit the food they have eaten. As a result, the body may not get enough nutrients and vitamins. Some symptoms of bulimia that sufferers may experience include feeling afraid of gaining weight, low self-confidence, or tending to want to be alone.

9. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

It is no secret that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the body's health. This is also related to the cause of potassium deficiency. Because alcohol consumed excessively can have effects and symptoms on health including kidney damage, liver damage, or lung infections. That is why limiting or even avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can be an easy choice to prevent various specific health problems.

10. Impact of Potassium Deficiency

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After understanding the causes of potassium deficiency in the body, it is important to know the health effects that can arise from it. The following are the impacts of potassium deficiency:

- Feeling weak and tired.

- Muscle cramps and spasms occur.

- Digestive disorders.

- Irregular heartbeat.

- Muscle pain and stiffness.

- Feeling tingling and numbness.

- Breathlessness and difficulty breathing.

- Mood swings.

Those are the 9 causes of potassium deficiency and their impacts on health. To overcome potassium deficiency, you can ensure a sufficient intake of healthy foods that contain a lot of potassium. In addition, consultation and examination can be considered to address potassium deficiency in the body.

(kpl/nlw)