Causes of Low Potassium in Women and Men
Potassium plays an important role in the body functions of cells and nerves for men and women alike. Some of the symptoms potassium deficiency causes are; muscle cramps, constipation, feeling tired and in extreme cases it can be life threatening and require immediate medical assistance.
What causes low potassium levels in the body?
There are many known causes of low potassium in women and men and some of them are; low potassium intake, diarrhea or vomiting, certain diseases and medicines or even excessive consumption of cola.
Even though starvation or a diet low on potassium is one of the potential causes of potassium deficiency. It usually doesn’t occur without a larger than normal potassium loss from the body.
Diarrhea and vomiting can flush out a large part of our potassium reserves and are some of the reasons for low potassium by abnormal loss from the gastrointestinal tract.
Another common way our potassium reserves can get flushed out is through the urine. This is often caused by kidney related diseases or medicines. Examples of kidney diseases that are known to be one of the main low potassium causes are renal turbular acidosis and renal failure. And any medicine that leads to increased urination is a potential cause of potassium deficiency as well as laxatives. Examples of other medicines that could cause hypokalemia in the long run are the cancer drug cisplatin and the antifungal drug amphotericin B. If in doubt consult your doctor.
Extreme intake of cola on for an extended period of time (4-10liters/1-2,5gallons per day) can also be the cause of low potassium, but that might not be the greatest health issue if you drink that much cola.
For further information on what causes potassium deficiency and how it applies to your specific situation I highly recommend consulting your own doctor. Especially if you suspect, you are losing potassium due to flushing of the gastrointestinal tract or urine due to some of the causes mentioned above or any other cause for that matter.
Related posts:
- What does Potassium do for your Body?
- Common Questions about Normal Potassium Levels in Blood and Your Health
- Liver Infection Symptoms in Women and Men
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