How To Treat Low Potassium Levels With Natural Diets And Supplements
Importance Of Potassium In Our Body
Potassium is a very important chemical when it comes to the optimum functioning of the human body. Also known as hypokalemia, the deficiency could cause the individual to feel significantly weaker than normal. Some of the more important reasons why one should take notice of his or her low potassium levels are because the chemical plays an important role in contraction of the muscles, regulation of blood pressure as well as maintaining rhythm of the heartbeat. Normal levels of potassium content in the body are recorded at about 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Anything below 3.5 mEq/L is considered to be too low. Suffering from low potassium levels is surprisingly common as studies show that about one in every five individuals are hospitalized in the United States as a direct result of low potassium levels. Some of the more prominent symptoms of low potassium levelsinclude fatigue, experiencing problems like myalgia and muscular weakness as well as anxiety and disorientation in sever cases. One of the more painful and apparent symptoms of low potassium is muscle cramps, especially as they are more likely to occur during a period of intense physical exertion – thereby significantly debilitating you. Low potassium levels should always be taken rather seriously because of the fact that a patient is also more prone to problems like heart deterioration.
Treatment For Low Potassium Level
Understanding the root causes of low potassium levels is an important part of treating the problem. Because of the fact that a huge amount of potassium is contained in gastric fluids, a lot of it could be lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Alcohol intake, as well as poor nutrition is also likely to cause significant damage to the individual’s potassium levels. If you experience significant pain in your muscles most of the time, you could try soaking your sore muscles in a tub in order to allow the muscles to absorb the potassium content. Cramp can be very easily relieved by simply applying some amount of vinegar over the muscular area. The diet plays a very significant role in making sure that your body has the right amount of potassium content. Avoid consuming too much garlic as it hinders the body’s ability to absorb potassium while over boiling foods will also cause them to lose their potassium content. Always consume fresh fruits as the canned variety has a significantly lower usable potassium quantity. Make sure to drink plenty of water in order to allow the body to regulate the volume and chemical makeup of the extra cellular fluids within.