Potassium deficiency symptoms -
Magnesium —a mineral that is involved with hundreds of chemical reactions in your body—actively transports potassium across your cells. So when you start to dip low in magnesium —which you can find in spinach, nuts, soy milk, black beans, avocado, and peanut butter—your potassium levels can suffer, too.
In fact, more than 50 percent of people with severe potassium deficiency might also be deficient in magnesium, says the NIH. When you take in too much sodium , your blood vessels gets stressed out.
But because potassium works to flush the stuff from your body, it can tamp down some of the heart-damaging effects of excess salt, according to the American Heart Association. Plus, potassium helps you blood vessel walls relax, which can aid in lowering your blood pressure , too.
Kidney stones are hard masses made of minerals that form inside your kidneys. In a study of more than 90, women aged 34 to 59 who had no history of kidney stones, researchers found they had a 35 percent lower of kidney stones after a year follow up if they downed more than 4, milligrams of potassium daily compared to women who ate less than 2, milligrams, according to the NIH.
Stones that contain calcium are the most common type—and because potassium helps your kidneys flush excess calcium through your urine, not getting enough of it can cause these masses to develop. There are plenty of things that can zap your energy , such as dehydration, medications, or even certain health conditions.
If painful muscle spasms in your legs are a consistent issue, a lack of potassium could be to blame, since you lose electrolytes including potassium during a tough workout. The fix? Guzzle a sports drink that contains electrolytes instead of plain water, suggests Lemond. The best way to hit the recommended 4, milligrams of potassium per day is to load your diet with fruits and vegetables.
Usually, potassium can be replaced by taking potassium supplements by mouth. Because potassium can irritate the digestive tract, supplements should be taken in small doses with food several times a day rather than in a single large dose. Special types of potassium supplements, such as wax-impregnated or microencapsulated potassium chloride , are much less likely to irritate the digestive tract.
To treat hypokalemia more rapidly, potassium is given by vein intravenously in the following situations:. Most people who take diuretics do not need to take potassium supplements.
Nevertheless, doctors periodically check the potassium level in the blood so that supplements can be given if necessary. Alternatively, diuretics that help the kidneys conserve potassium potassium-sparing diuretics , such as amiloride , eplerenone , spironolactone , or triamterene can be used, but these medications are used only if the kidneys are functioning normally.
When hypomagnesemia Hypomagnesemia Low Level of Magnesium in the Blood In hypomagnesemia, the level of magnesium in blood is too low. read more occurs with hypokalemia, it too is treated. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.
Brought to you by About Merck Merck Careers Research Worldwide. Disclaimer Privacy Terms of use Contact Us Veterinary Edition. IN THIS TOPIC. OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER. Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone SIADH. Hypokalemia Low Level of Potassium in the Blood By James L.
Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment. A slight decrease in the potassium level in blood usually causes no symptoms. A larger decrease can cause muscle weakness, cramping, twitches, and even paralysis. Measurement of the potassium level in the blood. Potassium supplements. The potassium level is dangerously low.
Doctors consider a person to have severe hypokalemia — a potentially life-threatening condition — when their potassium levels are less than 2. In this article, we describe some of the possible symptoms of potassium deficiency. We also cover when to see a doctor, diagnosis, treatment, and potassium food sources.
Potassium plays an important role in relaying messages from the brain to the muscles and regulating muscle contractions. Low potassium levels can affect the muscles in the intestines, which can slow the passage of food and waste. This effect on the intestines can cause constipation and bloating.
Potassium deficiency can affect other muscles in the body, including those in the arms and legs, which can lead to general muscle weakness and cramping. A person loses small amounts of potassium through sweat, which is why heavy sweating from intense physical activity or being in a hot climate can often lead to muscle weakness or cramping.
When potassium levels fall, this can significantly affect a wide range of bodily functions, which can lead to low energy levels and both physical and mental fatigue. Low potassium levels can lead to an increase in blood pressure , particularly in people with a high sodium, or salt, intake.
Potassium also helps balance sodium levels in the body. A diet high in sodium is a common cause of high blood pressure. Doctors often recommend that people with high blood pressure lower their sodium intake and increase their potassium intake.
The kidneys are responsible for removing waste products and regulating the levels of fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, in the blood.
They do this by passing waste and excess electrolytes out of the body in the urine. People with severe hypokalemia can experience muscle paralysis. When the levels of potassium in the body are very low, the muscles are unable to contract properly and may stop working altogether. Severe hypokalemia can also lead to breathing problems.
Breathing requires the use of several muscles, particularly the diaphragm. A person may have difficulty taking a deep breath or may feel very short of breath.
Another symptom of severe hypokalemia is an irregular heart rhythm. Potassium plays an important role in regulating the contractions of all muscles, including the heart muscle.
Very low levels of potassium in the body can lead to irregular heart rhythms, including sinus bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia , and ventricular fibrillation. If a person does not receive treatment, these conditions can be life-threatening. Hypokalemia is more common in people with inflammatory bowel disease IBD and gastrointestinal illnesses that cause severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting.
Certain medications, such as laxatives and diuretics, can also increase the risk of potassium deficiency. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of severe hypokalemia, such as muscle paralysis, breathing problems, or irregular heart rhythms. The test involves taking a small blood sample from a vein in the hand or arm.
People with severe hypokalemia require immediate treatment, and a doctor may recommend intravenous potassium.
Hypokalemia Potassium deficiency symptoms a medical condition symptoma by deficiebcy abnormally low level Potassium deficiency symptoms potassium in the blood. Defuciency is an essential electrolyte that plays Dietary aids for digestion crucial role in the activity of your muscles, nerves, heart, and cells. Because potassium impacts so many bodily functions, the symptoms of hypokalemia are wide-ranging. Hypokalemia symptoms may include muscle weaknessmuscle cramps, fatigueconstipation, irregular heart rhythmsand palpitations. The symptoms can vary in severity, though most cases are mild to moderate. Hypokalemia is one of the most common electrolyte disorders. Low-carb and energy levels websites use. gov Potaesium. gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Potassium is an essential mineral that wymptoms needed by all tissues in deficirncy body. It is sometimes referred to as an electrolyte because it carries deficiemcy small electrical charge that activates various cell and nerve deficiehcy.
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Calcium sympptoms is not reabsorbed is excreted in the urine, which may increase Pharmaceutical-grade standards and protocols risk of crystals sympotms that Potadsium lead to kidney deticiency. The higher intake was associated specifically with a higher citrate concentration in urine and urine volume from increased water obtained from fruits and vegetablesboth protective factors against stones.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the American College of Physicians conducted a review of randomized controlled trials looking at medical management to prevent repeated kidney stones.
However, there is some truth that the metabolism of certain foods can create bicarbonates, which neutralizes acids in the body. One theory suggests that a long-term high intake of protein foods such as meats, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs, as well as cereal grains may create a condition called low-grade metabolic acidosis due to their high sulfate and phosphate content.
BOTTOM LINE: Although theories in this area are compelling, the evidence is still inconsistent and it has not been shown in controlled trials that diet can significantly change blood pH in healthy people. Therefore it is too early to make specific recommendations based on this theory. Potassium is widely available in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Leafy greens, beans, nutsdairy foods, and starchy vegetables like winter squash are rich sources. The kidneys work to maintain normal blood levels of potassium by flushing out excess amounts through urine. Potassium can also be lost through stool and sweat.
At least mg daily from food is needed because of normal daily losses. Any conditions that increase fluid losses beyond normal such as vomiting, diarrhea, and certain medications like diuretics can lead to a deficiency, called hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is most common in hospitalized patients who are taking medications that cause the body to excrete too much potassium.
It is rare for a potassium deficiency to be caused by too low a food intake alone because it is found in so many foods; however an inadequate intake combined with heavy sweating, diuretic use, laxative abuse, or severe nausea and vomiting can quickly lead to hypokalemia. Another reason is a deficiency of magnesium, as the kidneys need magnesium to help reabsorb potassium and maintain normal levels in cells.
Too much potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia. In healthy people the kidneys will efficiently remove extra potassium, mainly through the urine. However, certain situations can lead to hyperkalemia: advanced kidney disease, taking medications that hold onto potassium in the body including NSAIDsor people who have compromised kidneys who eat a high-potassium diet more than 4, mg daily or use potassium-based salt substitutes.
Symptoms of hyperkalemia:. The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Search for:. Home Nutrition News What Should I Eat? Recommended Amounts The U. For pregnant and lactating women, the AI ranges from 2, depending on age. The interplay of potassium and sodium Potassium and sodium are closely interconnected but have opposite effects in the body.
Both are essential nutrients that play key roles in maintaining physiological balance, and both have been linked to the risk of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease.
High salt intake increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, while high potassium intake can help relax blood vessels and excrete sodium while decreasing blood pressure.
Our bodies need far more potassium than sodium each day, but the typical U. But what may be even more important for health is the relationship of sodium to potassium in the diet. Hypertension Observational studies of large groups of people show that sodium and potassium in the diet are associated with blood pressure.
A review of randomized controlled trials found that the DASH diet Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension that is low sodium and high potassium was effective at lowering blood pressure in those with existing hypertension. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality issued a report on the effects of sodium and potassium on chronic disease risk based on clinical trials and cohort studies.
However there was not enough evidence or there was conflicting evidence of their effects on lowering overall risk of hypertension, kidney stones, cardiovascular diseases including stroke, and kidney disease.
Bone health Calcium is one of the most important nutrients required for bone health. Kidney stones A diet rich in potassium helps to prevent calcium from being excreted in the urine, and may also help to prevent calcium from being released from bone into the blood.
Is there any research behind Acid-Alkaline Diet claims? You may have heard of an acid-alkaline diet promoted for weight loss or cancer prevention. Most health experts rejected these claims because it is nearly impossible to dramatically change the pH of blood in healthy people through diet alone.
The body tightly regulates the pH level in blood to about 7. References National Academy of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. Washington DC : National Academies Press US ; Mar. National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements.
Potassium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Brown IJ, Tzoulaki I, Candeias V, Elliott P. Salt intakes around the world: implications for public health. International journal of epidemiology. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Scientific Advisory Committee.
Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Yang Q, Liu T, Kuklina EV, Flanders WD, Hong Y, Gillespie C, Chang MH, Gwinn M, Dowling N, Khoury MJ, Hu FB.
Sodium and potassium intake and mortality among US adults: prospective data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of internal medicine. Aaron KJ, Sanders PW. Role of dietary salt and potassium intake in cardiovascular health and disease: a review of the evidence.
InMayo Clinic Proceedings Sep 1 Vol. Newberry SJ, Chung M, Anderson CA, Chen C, Fu Z, Tang A, Zhao N, Booth M, Marks J, Hollands S, Motala A.
Sodium and Potassium Intake: Effects on Chronic Disease Outcomes and Risks. Rockville MD : Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality US ; Jun.
Report No. Aburto NJ, Hanson S, Gutierrez H, Hooper L, Elliott P, Cappuccio FP. Effect of increased potassium intake on cardiovascular risk factors and disease: systematic review and meta-analyses. Vinceti M, Filippini T, Crippa A, de Sesmaisons A, Wise LA, Orsini N.
Journal of the American Heart Association. Hanley DA, Whiting SJ. Does a high dietary acid content cause bone loss, and can bone loss be prevented with an alkaline diet?. Journal of Clinical Densitometry.
Lin PH, Ginty F, Appel LJ, Aickin M, Bohannon A, Garnero P, Barclay D, Svetkey LP.
: Potassium deficiency symptoms| You have an irregular heartbeat | Usually, potassium can Pofassium replaced by taking potassium supplements by mouth. Porassium symptom occurs because Broccoli cooking tips plays a role in zymptoms contractions throughout the Potassium deficiency symptoms, symptlms the muscles in the dwficiency tract. This could cause digestive problems, like bloating and constipation. Common signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency include weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle aches and stiffness, tingles and numbness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, digestive symptoms, and changes in blood pressure. About Mayo Clinic. If a person does not receive treatment, these conditions can be life-threatening. Blood Tests for Hemochromatosis. |
| Hypokalemia | In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in blood is too low. Hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, typically starting in the legs and then moving to muscles in the upper half of your body. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Potassium is an essential nutrient that the body requires for a wide range of functions, including keeping the heart beating. Having low potassium levels can cause symptoms like fatigue, digestive problems, and frequent urination. Executive Health Program. |
| Signs You're Not Getting Enough Potassium and What to Do About It | Last updated: February 02, Years published: , Hypokalemia is a metabolic imbalance characterized by extremely low potassium levels in the blood. It is a symptom of another disease or condition, or a side effect of diuretic drugs. The body needs potassium for the contraction of muscles including the heart , and for the functioning of many complicated proteins enzymes. Potassium is found primarily in the skeletal muscle and bone, and participates with sodium to contribute to the normal flow of body fluids between the cells in the body. The normal concentration of potassium in the body is regulated by the kidneys through the excretion of urine. When the kidneys are functioning normally, the amount of potassium in the diet is sufficient for use by the body and the excess is usually excreted through urine and sweat. Body chemicals and hormones such as aldosterone also regulate potassium balance. Secretion of the hormone insulin, which is normally stimulated by food, prevents a temporary diet-induced Hypokalemia by increasing cell absorption of potassium. When Hypokalemia occurs, there is an imbalance resulting from a dysfunction in this normal process, or the rapid loss of urine or sweat without replacement of sufficient potassium. Most often, hypokalemia is asymptomatic, with no obvious signs of the disorder. However, symptoms of hypokalemia may include attacks of severe muscle weakness, eventually leading to paralysis and possibly respiratory failure. Muscular malfunction may result in paralysis of the bowel, low blood pressure, muscle twitches and mineral deficiencies tetany. Severe hypokalemia may also lead to disruption of skeletal muscle cells, particularly during exercise. The normal physical response to exercise requires the local release of potassium from muscle. In potassium depleted muscle, the lack of potassium prevents adequate widening of blood vessels, resulting in decreased muscle blood flow, cramps and the destruction of skeletal muscle. Hypokalemia may also impair the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine, resulting in excessive urination polyuria and excessive thirst polydipsia. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. There may also be heart irregularities seen in electrocardiograph changes, confusion, distention of the abdomen, a decrease in mental activity. Hypokalemia always occurs as a result of excessive loss of potassium through the urine, sweat or stool. It is always a symptom of another disorder, rather than a disease that occurs by itself. The excessive excretion of potassium in the urine kaliuresis may result from the use of diuretic drugs which increases urination , a deficiency of magnesium in the blood, excessive mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone in the blood which affect the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body usually caused by endocrine diseases , kidney disorders, or from the use of high doses of penicillin. Gastrointestinal losses of potassium usually are due to prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, chronic laxative abuse, inadequate dietary intake of potassium, intestinal obstruction or infections such as fistulas in the intestines which continually drain intestinal fluids. Additionally, excessive perspiration due to hot weather or exercise can cause hypokalemia. Symptoms of the following disorders include Hypokalemia. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:. Major symptoms include slowed growth, weakness, excessive thirst and excessive urination. Periodic Paralysis, Hypokalemic Type, is a disorder characterized by episodes of paralysis with loss of deep tendon reflexes and failure of muscles to respond to electrical stimulation. The cause is unknown. The paralysis may be limited to certain muscle groups or it may affect all four limbs. The attacks usually last between 24 and 48 hours. Potassium levels are usually abnormally low hypokalemia. Metabolic Alkalosis is a disorder characterized by an increase in blood bicarbonate. Symptoms include irritability, neuromuscular hyperexcitability, low blood potassium hypokalemia , muscular weakness, impaired gastrointestinal motility and excessive urination. The underlying cause of Hypokalemia must first be treated. When the hypokalemia is severe, potassium chloride may be administered orally or intravenously. Treatment must be carefully monitored by a physician. Any associated acid-base disorders or hormonal disturbances must be evaluated before treatment is planned. The administration of potassium and potassium- sparing diuretics is usually discouraged in patients with kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or dysfunctions of the autonomic nervous system. The imbalance of external and internal potassium levels in these individuals may predispose them to life-threatening degrees of Hyperkalemia too much potassium. Hypokalemia in individuals with high blood pressure taking diuretics may be improved by replacing lost potassium in the diet through certain fruits or potassium drugs. Hypokalemia may also be minimized by dietary restriction of salt since high rates of sodium excretion promote urinary potassium losses. People who participate in vigorous sports or exercise in warm weather should be sure to replace potassium that is lost through excessive sweating. This can be accomplished through dietary planning. Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www. All studies receiving U. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site. For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:. Beers MH, Berkow R. The Merck Manual, 17th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; Berkow R. The Merck Manual-Home Edition. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; , Bennett JC, Plum F. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Saunders Co. Fervenza FC, Rabkin R. The role of growth factors and ammonia in the genesis of hypokalemic nephropathy. J Ren Nutr. Gennari FJ. Disorders of potassium homeostasis. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia. Crit Care Clin. Riggs JE. Neurologic manifestations of electrolyte disturbances. Neurol Clin. Shaer AJ. Here, learn how much is right and where to…. People need vitamin D for muscle and bone health. Limited sun exposure and low dietary intake can lead to brittle bones, mood changes, and chronic…. Hypokalemia occurs when a person has too little potassium in their blood. Symptoms can include low blood pressure and muscle twitching. Read on to…. What are micronutrients? Read on to learn more about these essential vitamins and minerals, the role they play in supporting health, as well as…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us. Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. What to know about potassium deficiency symptoms. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Constipation Muscle weakness Fatigue High blood pressure Polyuria Muscle paralysis Breathing problems Irregular heart rhythms Seeing a doctor Diagnosis Treatment Food sources Summary The symptoms of potassium deficiency will depend on the severity, but can include high blood pressure, constipation, kidney problems, muscle weakness, fatigue, and heart issues. Muscle weakness. Unexplained fatigue. High blood pressure. Muscle paralysis. Breathing problems. Irregular heart rhythms. Share on Pinterest An irregular heart rhythm is a potential symptom of hypokalemia. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Eating foods rich in potassium, such as dried apricots, can help to treat potassium deficiency. Food sources. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried? How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. How exactly does a healthy lifestyle help prevent dementia? Related Coverage. Everything you need to know about potassium. Medically reviewed by Kim Rose-Francis RDN, CDCES, LD. Why am I not getting enough vitamin D? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. What to know about hypokalemia Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, RN. How much micronutrients should people be consuming? |
| Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia): Symptoms and treatment | The Nutrition Source Menu. Search for:. Home Nutrition News What Should I Eat? Recommended Amounts The U. For pregnant and lactating women, the AI ranges from 2,, depending on age. The interplay of potassium and sodium Potassium and sodium are closely interconnected but have opposite effects in the body. Both are essential nutrients that play key roles in maintaining physiological balance, and both have been linked to the risk of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. High salt intake increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, while high potassium intake can help relax blood vessels and excrete sodium while decreasing blood pressure. Our bodies need far more potassium than sodium each day, but the typical U. But what may be even more important for health is the relationship of sodium to potassium in the diet. Hypertension Observational studies of large groups of people show that sodium and potassium in the diet are associated with blood pressure. A review of randomized controlled trials found that the DASH diet Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension that is low sodium and high potassium was effective at lowering blood pressure in those with existing hypertension. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality issued a report on the effects of sodium and potassium on chronic disease risk based on clinical trials and cohort studies. However there was not enough evidence or there was conflicting evidence of their effects on lowering overall risk of hypertension, kidney stones, cardiovascular diseases including stroke, and kidney disease. Bone health Calcium is one of the most important nutrients required for bone health. Kidney stones A diet rich in potassium helps to prevent calcium from being excreted in the urine, and may also help to prevent calcium from being released from bone into the blood. Is there any research behind Acid-Alkaline Diet claims? You may have heard of an acid-alkaline diet promoted for weight loss or cancer prevention. Most health experts rejected these claims because it is nearly impossible to dramatically change the pH of blood in healthy people through diet alone. The body tightly regulates the pH level in blood to about 7. References National Academy of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. Washington DC : National Academies Press US ; Mar. National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements. Potassium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Brown IJ, Tzoulaki I, Candeias V, Elliott P. Salt intakes around the world: implications for public health. International journal of epidemiology. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Scientific Advisory Committee. Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, , to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Yang Q, Liu T, Kuklina EV, Flanders WD, Hong Y, Gillespie C, Chang MH, Gwinn M, Dowling N, Khoury MJ, Hu FB. Sodium and potassium intake and mortality among US adults: prospective data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of internal medicine. Aaron KJ, Sanders PW. Role of dietary salt and potassium intake in cardiovascular health and disease: a review of the evidence. InMayo Clinic Proceedings Sep 1 Vol. Newberry SJ, Chung M, Anderson CA, Chen C, Fu Z, Tang A, Zhao N, Booth M, Marks J, Hollands S, Motala A. Sodium and Potassium Intake: Effects on Chronic Disease Outcomes and Risks. Rockville MD : Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality US ; Jun. Report No. Aburto NJ, Hanson S, Gutierrez H, Hooper L, Elliott P, Cappuccio FP. Effect of increased potassium intake on cardiovascular risk factors and disease: systematic review and meta-analyses. Vinceti M, Filippini T, Crippa A, de Sesmaisons A, Wise LA, Orsini N. Journal of the American Heart Association. Hanley DA, Whiting SJ. Does a high dietary acid content cause bone loss, and can bone loss be prevented with an alkaline diet?. Journal of Clinical Densitometry. Lin PH, Ginty F, Appel LJ, Aickin M, Bohannon A, Garnero P, Barclay D, Svetkey LP. The DASH diet and sodium reduction improve markers of bone turnover and calcium metabolism in adults. The Journal of nutrition. Macdonald HM, Black AJ, Aucott L, Duthie G, Duthie S, Sandison R, Hardcastle AC, Lanham New SA, Fraser WD, Reid DM. Effect of potassium citrate supplementation or increased fruit and vegetable intake on bone metabolism in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition. Gregory NS, Kumar R, Stein EM, Alexander E, Christos P, Bockman RS, Rodman JS. Potassium citrate decreases bone resorption in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Endocrine Practice. Ferraro PM, Mandel EI, Curhan GC, Gambaro G, Taylor EN. Dietary protein and potassium, diet—dependent net acid load, and risk of incident kidney stones. There are different treatments for imbalanced potassium levels that depend on if your levels are too high or too low. Potassium supplements are usually the first course of action for levels that are too low. Supplements are mostly effective if your kidneys are in good shape. Potassium-sparing diuretics can rid the body of excess sodium. This will help normalize electrolyte levels. But, some diuretics and potassium supplements can be harsh on the digestive tract. Ask a doctor for wax-coated pills to help prevent digestive issues. Only people with normal kidney function can use potassium-sparing diuretics. Mild cases of hyperkalemia can be treated with prescription medications that increase potassium excretion. Other methods include diuretics or an enema. Severe cases may require more complex treatments. Kidney dialysis can remove potassium. This treatment is the preferred for cases of kidney failure. For people with healthy kidneys, a doctor might recommend insulin and glucose. These help to transport potassium from the blood to cells for removal. An albuterol inhaler can also lower dangerously high levels. Calcium gluconate may be used temporarily to stabilize the heart and reduce the risk of serious heart complications from hyperkalemia. Healthy kidneys are often enough to regulate body potassium. Medical conditions that affect levels should be monitored regularly. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Potassium is an essential electrolyte, which is a mineral that your body needs to function correctly. But high levels of potassium can be dangerous…. A potassium test also known as serum potassium is used to measure the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is an electrolyte important for…. Potassium is an essential mineral. This article describes low potassium symptoms, causes, and possible treatment options. Potassium helps regulate critical body functions, and a potassium-rich diet is linked to health benefits. Here's a review of potassium and what it…. Blood tests are one of the key ways to confirm a diagnosis of hemochromatosis. Additional testing might include an MRI, genetic testing, and a liver…. Learn when symptoms of Gaucher disease type 3 show up, how to treat them, and how it affects life expectancy. Learn about Gaucher disease type 2, a fatal form of the condition that usually causes symptoms by the age of 6 months. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Skin Care. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Sources Deficiency Overdose Treatment Outlook. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? 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