Lack of potassium, is it dangerous? get to know the function of this substance further, let's!

Potassium is an important mineral known as an electrolyte. As an electrolyte, potassium plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance in the body and controlling blood pressure. Potassium is also important for maintaining the function of the muscles and nerves that control the heart. If your body is deficient in potassium, it will signal through a series of symptoms. There are mild and serious symptoms, depending on how badly the body loses potassium.

What happens when the body is deficient in potassium

Potassium deficiency in medical terms is called hypokalemia. This condition occurs when the potassium level in a person's bloodstream is below normal limits. Under normal conditions, the potassium level in the blood ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq / L. However, if the potassium level is in the blood less than 3.5 mEq / L this condition can be referred to as potassium deficiency.

Meanwhile, if the potassium level is very low, which is less than 2.5 mEq / L, then this condition is an advanced potassium deficiency that can be dangerous or even cause death if not treated immediately.

That is why, know the signs or characteristics if your body is deficient in potassium to reduce more serious problems. Here are some of the consequences if the potassium levels in your body are below normal limits:

Muscle cramps and twitching.
Stomach ache.
Constipation.
Nausea and vomiting.
Heart palpitations (heart palpitations; your heartbeat feels unusual, such as too slow, is not beating, or has a more than normal number of beats).
Urinating frequently and feeling thirsty.
Tingling and numbness.

To make sure the potassium levels in your body are at normal limits or not, you can consult a doctor. Usually the doctor will recommend the patient to do some laboratory tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and EKG tests.

What causes potassium deficiency?

There are several conditions that can cause a person to be deficient in potassium. For example, a person experiences simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea, sweating too much, alcoholism, eating disorders such as bulimia, and excessive use of laxatives. In addition, potassium deficiency can also be caused by the effects of serious medical conditions, such as chronic kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, folic acid deficiency, and malnutrition.

However, generally the most common factor that causes a person to experience excessive potassium deficiency is the effect of taking diuretic drugs which function to speed up urine formation. Diuretic drugs are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Therefore, avoid using diuretic drugs excessively to reduce the risk of this condition. For this reason, the use of this drug must always be under the supervision of a doctor to avoid unwanted things.

How can you prevent the body from being deficient in potassium?

Potassium deficiency can be prevented by eating foods that contain high potassium. Foods that contain potassium are not difficult to find and can be included in your daily diet. Here are some foods that contain high potassium that you can consume daily to prevent potassium deficiency.

1. Potatoes

Potatoes are the best source of potassium. In fact, among other types of food, potatoes contain the most potassium, namely 925 mg potassium.

However, don't forget to pay attention to how to process it. Always remember that French fries are your worst enemy. Better, the consumption of baked potatoes complete with the skin. You can search for baked potato recipes like the one in your favorite restaurant. However, don't forget, avoid adding excessive sauce or cheese.

2. Avocado

Many people do not want to eat avocado because it is considered a fruit that is high in fat. However, the content of omega-6 fats in avocado is very good for reducing the potential for heart disease. Avocados contain unsaturated oleic acid which can reduce the danger of high cholesterol in the body.

In addition, one avocado is known to contain more than twice the potassium content in a banana. That is why, avocado is very good for helping you meet your potassium intake to prevent potassium deficiency in the blood.

3. Bananas

Apart from being rich in carbohydrates and fiber, bananas also contain potassium which is good for the body. The healthy carbohydrates in it are also able to make the stomach feel full and help improve digestive function. In addition, eating bananas regularly can also help you avoid muscle cramps.

4. Fish

Not only is it rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish is also high in potassium, minerals and iron. Most of the fish basically contain a lot of potassium, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and several other types of marine fish. Just like potatoes, avoid frying fish. Choose a healthier cooking method such as soup, roast, or roast.