The human body depends on numerous essential nutrients and many people don’t pay too much attention. However, this might result in serious disorders or conditions.
For example, feeling tired and exhausted all the time should really make you think about your health. If you are constantly feeling weak, and you notice a serious swelling and inflammation of your ankles and hands, there is a chance that your body doesn’t get enough potassium.
Potassium is an electrolyte and mineral that helps our body in the process of contracting the muscles or simply put, it helps us move. Not getting enough potassium each day may really harm your health’s body.
Huge amounts of potassium are located in our cells, and even the slightest change to the potassium levels outside of the cells can disrupt the work of the muscles, nerves, and heart.
Having a potassium deficiency will certainly harm your body, and therefore, your body will signal you by showing numerous symptoms.
In the beginning, you won’t experience too many problems and the signs are slight, but if you don’t do anything about this disorder, you might end up having some of these terrible symptoms that can harm your muscles, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, nerves, and heart. Weakness, tiredness or cramping in arm or leg muscles, can range from mild to so severe that it can feel like paralysis
- Irregular heartbeat
- Tingling or numbness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach cramps and bloating
- Constipation
- Fainting, usually caused by low blood pressure
- Abnormal behavior and physiological conditions such as depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion or hallucinations
- Swelling of the face, feet, ankles, and abdomen
It is not certain that these symptoms are connected to potassium deficiency, but we advise you to consult with your doctor if by any chance you experience any of these signs.
Reasons for Potassium Deficiency
One of the main reasons for potassium deficiency is not having a healthy diet that includes numerous foods rich in potassium. Other reasons are diarrhea, dehydration, and excessive sweating and they can lead to a decrease in potassium.
If you are continuously working out, you might need drinks that are rich in electrolytes in order to avoid dehydration. They can help you, but the best way is to ingest potassium-rich-foods.
There are some medications that can lower the amount of potassium in your body, especially diuretics. This happens because these medications are helping your body remove fluid and waste more effectively.
Many people are experiencing potassium deficiency because they constantly eat processed foods that don’t contain any healthy nutrients. Getting potassium is actually easy if you choose the right ingredients and foods. Potassium can be only found in natural foods which increases the importance of starting a diet.
Ways to avoid Potassium Deficiency
The best way that won’t inflict any side effects is to start a diet. Also, foods that are rich in potassium are also good for your health. Here are 5 foods that are rich in potassium:
- Kidney beans (600 mg of potassium per 3/4 cup)
- Sweet potato (500 mg of potassium per 1/2 cup)
- Chard (510 mg of potassium per 1/2 cup)
- Halibut (430 mg of potassium per 75 grams)
- Banana (420 mg of potassium per medium sized banana)
Accept our piece of advice and start consuming these foods on daily basis. You will significantly lower the chance of developing this disorder.
