What Happens When Your Body Lacks Potassium?
We have always emphasized that a healthy body is the foundation of revolution. However, due to the lack of certain trace elements in the human body, it can lead to a series of discomforts, with potassium deficiency being the most common one. So, what happens when the body lacks potassium? Potassium deficiency in the body is what we call hypokalemia, which is often manifested as arrhythmia, quadriplegia, mental fatigue, and other symptoms. It can cause significant harm to the human body and requires timely treatment.
Firstly, the harm of potassium deficiency in the body can generally be determined through blood tests that measure the potassium level in the blood. The normal serum potassium concentration in the human body ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 mmol/L, and although the amount is very small, if it falls below or exceeds this range, the body will immediately exhibit abnormal symptoms. For instance, if there is a lack of potassium, it can lead to hypokalemia, which was common in many rural areas of China during the early stages of reform and opening up. People with hypokalemia typically exhibit symptoms such as weakness, quadriplegia, difficulty breathing, palpitations, arrhythmia, mental fatigue, apathetic mood, drowsiness, poor appetite, constipation, and even intestinal paralysis. The most critical aspect is that hypokalemia can also lead to metabolic alkalosis.
Short-term hypokalemia can disrupt a person's life and severely reduce their quality of life. If this condition persists for a long time without improvement, it can lead to many serious illnesses and even death.
Secondly, potassium ions are different from other nutrients because the human body cannot synthesize them actively. Therefore, they must be obtained entirely from external sources, with food being the key. The metabolism of potassium in the body mainly depends on renal excretion. When the body receives more potassium, the kidneys will excrete more, and when it receives less, they will excrete less. However, even if no potassium is obtained from external sources, the body will still excrete a certain amount. Therefore, problems with either intake or excretion can lead to hypokalemia. If the cause is due to a physical illness, it is essential to seek timely medical treatment. However, in daily life, certain foods rich in potassium can also help to supplement potassium levels.
Thirdly, when caring for someone with potassium deficiency, it is important to include foods high in potassium in their diet. These include beans and bean products, mushrooms, saltwater foods such as seaweed and laver, as well as potatoes, beef, lamb, and fruits like bananas and grapes. Essentially, by ensuring a diverse and balanced diet, potassium intake can be guaranteed. Current scientific research has also discovered that potassium not only maintains normal life activities in the human body but also plays a role in resisting cancer.
However, it is important to note that having too much potassium in the body is not beneficial either. Excessive potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which is even more dangerous than hypokalemia. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include convulsions, palpitations, and even fatal arrhythmias, with a higher mortality rate than hypokalemia. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain optimal potassium levels in the body.
