LOW POTASSIUM DIET: Guide to Manage Low Potassium & Healthy Homemade Recipes for People with High Potassium Levels in Blood (Hyperkalemia)

Low potassium-occurs when blood levels of potassium are lower than normal. Normal

potassium values can vary somewhat from one lab to another. When a lab reports a

potassium level, it will provide a reference range along with it. This is the

normal range for potassium levels at that lab. Generally, a normal potassium level

is between 3.6 and 5.2 mEq/L (the lab may express it as mmoles/L).

Potassium is an electrolyte and mineral you get from food in your diet. It plays

an important role in nerve and muscle cell function. Like other muscles in your

body, your heart muscle needs potassium to work properly. Low potassium levels can

interfere with the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms. Other hypokalemia

symptoms include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and constipation. Mild cases

may not have any symptoms.

Common symptoms:ConstipationFatigueMuscle weakness, cramps or twitchesNumbness or tingling

What is low potassium (hypokalemia)?

Hypokalemia-or low potassium-occurs when blood levels of potassium are lower than

normal. Normal potassium values can vary somewhat from one lab to another. When a

lab reports a potassium level, it will provide a reference range along with it.

This is the normal range for potassium levels at that lab. Generally, a normal

potassium level is between 3.6 and 5.2 mEq/L (the lab may express it as mmoles/L).

The most common cause of low potassium is excessive potassium loss through the

urine or digestive tract. The risk of this increases for people on diuretics or

with prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Eating disorders and laxative overuse can

also increase the risk of low potassium.

Hypokalemia treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the underlying

cause. Mild depletions may only require a potassium-rich diet. Potassium

supplements can help people who need more than they can get from diet alone. Very

low potassium levels require immediate medical treatment with an IV (intravenous)

potassium solution.

Low potassium usually shows up on a blood test. Doctors may order a potassium

level as part of routine care or if you have an illness or take diuretics. When

symptoms develop, it can become life threatening. Seek immediate medical care

(call 911) if you develop heart palpitations, confusion, paralysis, excessive

thirst or urination, or any other symptoms of low potassium.

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