How to recognize a deficiency of potassium in the body and what are the risks of its lack

0 < p>Potassium is an essential mineral that is of great importance for the healthy functioning of the body. It helps regulate muscle contractions, normalizes the brain and the entire nervous system as a whole, and regulates the fluid balance in the body. However, numerous studies have shown that a deficiency of this mineral occurs (especially in the cold season) in the majority of the population of our planet. Below are the signs to recognize a lack of potassium in the body and how to avoid it.

Chronic fatigue and weakness

Chronic fatigue and weakness during the day can be the first signs of potassium deficiency. Since the mineral regulates muscle contractions and brain function, its deficiency causes weakness throughout the body and impaired brain activity (thoughts seem to slow down, concentration is lost). In addition, with potassium deficiency, the body will begin to distribute nutrients in a different way, which will again lead to weakness.

Spasms

Muscle spasms (or convulsions) are uncontrolled muscle contractions that often cause unpleasant and even painful sensations. And the root cause is often a lack of potassium. The fact is that this mineral takes part in the most complex chemical exchanges taking place in our body. These chemical reactions ensure that the signal is transmitted from the brain to the muscles and vice versa. When this connection weakens, cramps often occur.

Digestive problems

Potassium deficiency can cause digestive problems, among other things. Returning to the previous point, it is important to say that the stomach is also a muscle and its work is disrupted due to a lack of minerals. However, instead of having a seizure, you are most likely to experience confusion or nausea. In any case, the symptoms are not pleasant, so you need to monitor your condition very carefully.

Rapid heartbeat

Each of us sometimes notices that the heart begins to beat faster. The reason for this can be stress, anxiety, fear or, on the contrary, uncontrolled joy. But here we clearly see the connection with our emotional state and there is no need to worry about it. And if in a state of relative emotional calm, without the participation of any extraneous factors, your heart begins to beat frantically, the reason for this may be a lack of potassium.

Muscle pains

Severe muscle pains are already a more serious symptom, when the deviation from the norm of potassium intake is already quite significant. Since potassium plays an important role in the regulation of blood circulation processes, when it is lacking, blood (and with it oxygen) simply ceases to flow to the muscles in sufficient quantity. This can cause severe pain and muscle stiffness.

Tingling and numbness

Potassium deficiency can cause paresthesias – sudden tingling or numbness in the arms, legs and, in particular, the feet. Potassium is important for healthy nerve function. A low level of potassium in the blood can weaken nerve signals, which can cause such an unpleasant condition. Although these symptoms are harmless, constant tingling and numbness can be a sign of something more serious. If you experience persistent paresthesia, it is best to see a doctor.

Difficulty breathing

Acute potassium deficiency can cause difficulty breathing, as blood stops flowing to the lungs in sufficient quantity. When blood potassium levels are severely reduced, your lungs may not expand and contract properly, which can cause shortness of breath. This is a serious symptom, with which it is also recommended to consult a doctor.

Mood swings

Since potassium plays an important role in the normalization of the brain, its lack can also affect our emotional state. If you notice unexplained mood swings in yourself, the problem may be a lack of minerals.

Where is potassium found?

Now that the symptoms are out of the way, let's talk about what products can be used to correct this deficiency. to fill Undisputed leaders in terms of potassium content are beet tops, legumes, all types of potatoes (including sweet potatoes), bananas and avocados. Only 100 grams of these products contain 15-25% of the daily potassium requirement. Of course, potassium is available in the form of dietary supplements, but they should not be consumed without consulting a doctor. To begin with, try to balance your diet, and then (with rare exceptions) supplements will not be necessary.