Some signs or symptoms in the body can indicate that you may be lacking some vital nutrients or minerals in the body. Therefore paying attention to early signs is very important. Also when the body is not getting enough of these minerals it becomes a concern....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Potassium which is our main subject for today is one of the body’s most essential minerals. It is present in every cell of the human body. Research reveals that it is one of the body’s four main electrolytes, which include sodium, magnesium, and calcium.
An adequate amount of potassium can help to maintain a proper water balance in the body as well as regulate blood pressure. It also plays a role in the digestion of proteins as well as carbohydrates. In addition, this mineral is needed for a healthy cardiovascular system, muscle strength, nerve functioning, and proper digestion.
However, lack of potassium also known as hypokalemia is most common in people taking diuretics. But the good news is that a simple routine blood test can confirm your potassium level and eventually know what to do.
Note: When your potassium level is less than 2.5 mmol/L then you should seek urgent medical attention.
However, here are 6 signs that signify you are not getting enough potassium.
1. Muscle Cramps.
Experiencing frequent muscle cramps can be a sign of potassium deficiency in the body. Potassium is one of the electrolytes found in all body cells, including muscle and nerve cells. It works with sodium to maintain your cell’s electrical charges, which control muscle contractions and functioning.
However, when this mineral is low in the body, the cells do not send or receive the proper electrical signals to control muscle contractions. This in turn increases the chance of suffering from frequent muscle cramps. The cramps can last from a few seconds to minutes.
2. Regular Muscle Weakness/Tear.
Low potassium levels can have a huge impact on your muscle health, especially during exercise. It can weaken the function of muscle cells as well as damage the muscles thereby leading to profound weakness, muscle stiffness as well as tenderness.
Potassium is also needed for healing the muscles on a cellular level. Hence, there may also be an increase in muscle tearing or straining when there is a lack of potassium. Finally, it is important to know that if your muscles feel weak and tired for no apparent reason, you need to get your potassium level checked.
3. Tingling Sensations on Your Body.
Having frequent tingling sensations on your body might be a sign of low potassium. Low levels of this mineral can affect the electrical impulses that pass from the skin and muscles to the spinal cord and brain. This can lead to a loss of sensation along the outer extremities, resulting in the ting sensations.
Studies show that potassium is important for the health of your nerves. The tingling sensation is often noticed in the fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, arms legs. Low potassium may also contribute to muscle twitching.
So, if you experience tingling sensations in your arms and legs, along with other symptoms mentioned here, there is a strong possibility that you are low in potassium.
However, the consumption of some food can increase the intake of potassium in your body. They include; spinach, sweet potato, plain non-fat yoghurt, banana, broccoli, tomato, fresh, milk (fat-free, low-fat, whole, buttermilk). Regardless, there should be moderation.
So after carefully reading through it, do you notice any of these signs? Please do well to drop your answers and share your opinion in the comment section below let’s discuss.
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