Potassium deficiency rarely results from a low dietary intake. The cause of potassium deficiency are related to excessive losses of potassium from the body. This cause by prolonged vomiting, certain drugs, and some forms of kidney disease.
Potassium may also be depleted following severe tissue injury due to surgery or burns and during prolonged fevers.
The symptoms of potassium deficiency can result from alterations in membrane potential and lack of potassium for energy production.
Signs of potassium deficiency include abnormally dry skin, acne, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, diarrhea, diminished reflex function, edema nervousness, insatiable thirst, fluctuation in heartbeat, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholesterol levels, insomnia, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, periodic headaches, proteinuria, respiratory distress and salt retention.
Millions living in today’s civilization and eating its commercialized, processed foods have a potassium deficiency.
As food become more processed, the intake of potassium decreases while the intake of salt increase.
Fruits and vegetables are the richest sources of potassium. People who eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables have a high potassium intake of about 10 grams daily.
Potassium deficiency
