{"id":9756,"date":"2020-04-01T13:00:12","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T17:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=9756"},"modified":"2020-10-22T14:44:44","modified_gmt":"2020-10-22T18:44:44","slug":"what-causes-low-potassium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-causes-low-potassium\/","title":{"rendered":"What causes low potassium?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve undoubtedly heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what about a banana a day? Your body needs potassium to function. <\/span>It is one of the essential minerals for health<\/span><\/a>. It helps regulate your body’s fluid balance, maintains your body\u2019s electrolyte system, reduces blood pressure, and lowers your risk of stroke.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, when it comes to potassium, balance matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Too much potassium, called hyperkalemia, can cause weakness, fatigue, loss of muscle function, and slowed heartbeat. Too little potassium, called hypokalemia, can cause muscle weakness, muscle twitches, heart palpitations, and cramps\u2014it can also lead to paralysis and respiratory failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Low levels of potassium can cause <\/span>serious health problems<\/span><\/a>, like high blood pressure and kidney stones, which is why it\u2019s helpful to know how to identify the symptoms of low potassium and what could be causing it. Fortunately, you can often raise potassium levels on your own through diet and <\/span>supplementation<\/span><\/a>. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is considered low potassium?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Low potassium levels are blood potassium levels under 3.5 mEq\/L; under 2.5 mEq\/L can be life-threatening. Normal potassium levels, for most people, are typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq per liter (mEq\/L), according to a <\/span>2018 clinical update<\/span><\/a>. Anything above 5.0 mEq\/L is considered high, and levels above 6.0 can be dangerous and might require immediate medical attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: Hypokalemia is uncommon in people with normal kidney function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people don\u2019t go to the doctor for a low level of potassium or because they think they are hypokalemic. Usually, it is detected when you are having blood work done because you have symptoms of another illness, such as an adrenal disorder, or when you have routine lab work done, which is often necessary if you take a diuretic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are some symptoms of low potassium?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many people do not experience any symptoms of hypokalemia until it is severe, and the amount of potassium has dropped below 3.0 mEq\/L.<\/span><\/p>\n

People with moderate potassium deficiency might experience:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n