Potassium Part 2
The preliminary symptoms of a potassium deficiency are feelings of muscle weakness and fatigue. As the deficiency continues these symptoms become more severe. Some of the other signs that you may have a deficiency in this mineral are:
- constipation on a regular basis
- irregular pulse
- rapid heart beat
- loss of appetite
- muscle cramps, especially during an exercise routine
- low blood pressure
- continuous thirst
- dysfunction of the nerves
If you have a stomach illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea, you will lose a lot of your much needed potassium in the fluids that you expel from your body. If left untreated, this lack of potassium can lead to paralysis of the muscles over time.
When your body has more potassium that it needs and can store, this leads to a toxicity of the mineral and a condition known as hypokalemia. Some of the signs of this include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, irregular heartbeat, weakness of the muscles and feelings of excessive tiredness. They are quite similar to the symptoms of a deficiency, which means that you should get a check up from the doctor if you experience these symptoms for any length of time. Each of them on their own may be common occurrences due to viruses or overuse of your muscles.
A balanced diet should be rich in the foods that contain potassium so that you have optimum health. It is an essential nutrient for the health of the heart. The recommended daily intake is 3500 mg per day from all sources. Supplements should only be taken under the guidance of a physician.
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