Why does the body need Potassium? Warning Signs of low potassium

 ONE of the most important minerals in our body is potassium. We need potassium for the normal heartbeat and the use of muscles in the body. Many patients suffer simply because of low potassium. The doctor calls this hypokalemia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of low potassium are weakness in the legs, arms, cramps, knee pain and abnormal heartbeat. Weakness starts in the leg and slowly increases until the whole body is paralyzed. This is a very dangerous disease and can be fatal.

 

 

Cause

Common causes of low potassium are excessive sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. Because potassium comes out of the body through our sweat and feces. Sometimes there is a difference in the kidneys or adrenal glands, so potassium also appears in the urine. Sometimes there are drugs that cause urination such as diuretics and even some antibiotics.

For those who like to take diet pills or laxatives, your potassium may drop. Excessive exercise and sweating can also deplete potassium.

 

How is low potassium treated?

Potassium is a mineral that our body needs to maintain water balance, muscle movement, and nerve communication in our body.

Potassium cannot be produced in our body but there are many ways to get enough potassium in the body.

- Drink water or hydration first,

- Eating fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, oranges, melons, pineapples, avocados, raisins, cooked spinach and broccoli, leafy greens, celery, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers and eggplants.

- Beverages such as orange and tomato juice are also high in potassium.

- It is also available in meat, fish such as salmon..

 

Remedy

If the weakness is just starting, you can first eat foods high in potassium such as bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges and broccoli.

 

These foods are also a good way to avoid potassium depletion. Gatorade also has potassium. There is also a pill that doctors give, potassium tablets (brand name K-lyte) that quickly increase potassium.

To avoid this disease, make a habit of eating two bananas every day.

 

Warning: Too little potassium is bad, but too much is just as bad. If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, ask your doctor first before eating foods high in potassium.

 

Consult a doctor if you feel weak. The doctor will check your potassium level (a blood test) to find out if your potassium is indeed low.

When the patient's condition is severe, it is necessary to be taken to the hospital to give potassium in the blood.