What to Do for Low Potassium?

Hypokalemia, or low potassium, is a potentially serious problem that can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation and abnormal heart rhythms. Potassium is an electrolyte, which is essential in the proper functioning of the body's nerve and muscle cells. Low potassium can be life threatening, and it requires immediate medical attention. There are foods and supplements that will help prevent the potassium level from dropping to dangerous levels that are easily accessible and should be part of a diet for anyone who suspects they may not be getting enough.

Proper Levels

Normal potassium levels in the blood range between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). If a blood test reveals a potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L or less, then the condition requires immediate treatment as this is the danger zone which could lead to heart failure.

Dietary Intake

The body's potassium supply comes from the foods we eat. An increase in the following specific foods may remedy the situation all by itself.
Fresh fruits and vegetables such as bananas, cantaloupe, oranges, strawberries, kiwi, avocados and apricots are rich in potassium. Fresh greens, mushrooms, peas, beets and tomatoes are also excellent sources of the electrolyte.
Beef, fish and turkey are potassium rich proteins, while juice from oranges, prunes, apricots and grapefruit are all good additions to the diet for increasing potassium levels, according to Medicinenet.com.

Supplements

Potassium supplements are available in oral form and as injections in critical cases. Ask your physician about which kinds of supplements would be best for you and how much you should be taking. Effer-K, Glu-K, K-Tab, K-Lyte and Potassimin are all American brand names of potassium supplements available on the market.

Causes

The most common way for our bodies to get an insufficient level of potassium is through the urinary or digestive tract. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is the most common cause of potassium deficiency. Therefore, people with diarrhea, who are taking laxatives or diuretics (water pills), have eating disorders such a bulimia or who have chronic kidney disease are most likely to experience this deficiency.