LIVE LIFE BETTER - Summer Hazards: Preventing & Treating Low Potassium Levels
Season 2, Episode 876, Jul 01, 03:56 PM
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In this episode of Live Life Better, host Nanette Wiser talks about how summer head and dehydration can contribute to health issues such as low potassium. If it's dehydration, water may not be enough and you'll need to drink electrolyte fluids. But there are many other medical and medication conditions that might also be at the root of this deficiency. If you have concerns be sure to consult your primary physician.
THE CONDITION Hypokalemia is when the amount of potassium in your blood is too low. Normal levels of potassium for an adult range from 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.2 mmol/L). Anything lower than 3 mEq/L (3 mmol/L) may be considered severe hypokalemia. Potassium is an electrolyte. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they’re dissolved in your bodily fluids. Your body needs potassium for your cells, muscles and nerves to function correctly. Your body gets potassium through the food you eat. Your kidneys remove excess potassium through your urine (pee) to keep a proper balance of the mineral in your body.
How does hypokalemia affect your body? You need potassium to keep your muscles, nerves and heart working well. You also need potassium for a healthy digestive system and bone health. Low levels of potassium can affect these important functions in your body. Over time, low levels of potassium in your body can cause effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness and even paralysis.
Talk to your physician about what might be causing this condition. Low blood potassium typically occurs because of an excessive loss of potassium in your digestive tract. This may be due to frequent vomiting, diarrhea or laxative use. Other causes of hypokalemia may include excessive sweating, too much alcohol consumption, diuretics, certain medications, certain kidny conditions or adrenal disorders.
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms to get testing and a good diagnosis. Mild cases of low potassium may not cause any symptoms. But signs may include Constipation, Heart palpitations Extreme tiredness (fatigue) Muscle weakness and spasms. Tingling and numbness. More severe cases of low potassium may cause signs and symptoms such as: Muscle twitches. Muscle cramps. Severe muscle weakness, leading to paralysis. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Lightheadedness or faintness. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Excessive urination (polyuria). Excessive thirst (polydipsia).
You can reduce your risk of developing hypokalemia by eating a diet full of foods that contain potassium. Discuss your diet with your healthcare provider. Foods that contain potassium include many fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish, dairy and legumes. Foods that have lots of potassium include Avocados. Bananas. Beans and peas. Bran. Dark leafy greens. Fish. Lean beef. Milk. Oranges. Peanut butter. Potatoes. Spinach. Tomatoes.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
#livellifebetter #nanettewiser #health #wellness #medical #mindbodyspirit #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete
THE CONDITION Hypokalemia is when the amount of potassium in your blood is too low. Normal levels of potassium for an adult range from 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.2 mmol/L). Anything lower than 3 mEq/L (3 mmol/L) may be considered severe hypokalemia. Potassium is an electrolyte. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they’re dissolved in your bodily fluids. Your body needs potassium for your cells, muscles and nerves to function correctly. Your body gets potassium through the food you eat. Your kidneys remove excess potassium through your urine (pee) to keep a proper balance of the mineral in your body.
How does hypokalemia affect your body? You need potassium to keep your muscles, nerves and heart working well. You also need potassium for a healthy digestive system and bone health. Low levels of potassium can affect these important functions in your body. Over time, low levels of potassium in your body can cause effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness and even paralysis.
Talk to your physician about what might be causing this condition. Low blood potassium typically occurs because of an excessive loss of potassium in your digestive tract. This may be due to frequent vomiting, diarrhea or laxative use. Other causes of hypokalemia may include excessive sweating, too much alcohol consumption, diuretics, certain medications, certain kidny conditions or adrenal disorders.
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms to get testing and a good diagnosis. Mild cases of low potassium may not cause any symptoms. But signs may include Constipation, Heart palpitations Extreme tiredness (fatigue) Muscle weakness and spasms. Tingling and numbness. More severe cases of low potassium may cause signs and symptoms such as: Muscle twitches. Muscle cramps. Severe muscle weakness, leading to paralysis. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Lightheadedness or faintness. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Excessive urination (polyuria). Excessive thirst (polydipsia).
You can reduce your risk of developing hypokalemia by eating a diet full of foods that contain potassium. Discuss your diet with your healthcare provider. Foods that contain potassium include many fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish, dairy and legumes. Foods that have lots of potassium include Avocados. Bananas. Beans and peas. Bran. Dark leafy greens. Fish. Lean beef. Milk. Oranges. Peanut butter. Potatoes. Spinach. Tomatoes.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
#livellifebetter #nanettewiser #health #wellness #medical #mindbodyspirit #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete