Low potassium levels, a condition called hypokalemia, occurs when the level of potassium in your blood is lower than normal. Some of the symptoms of low potassium are fatigue and muscle weakness. Blood tests and electrocardiograms are used to diagnose low potassium levels.

Question

My doctor said that I appeared to be on a low potassium. What are the dangers of having a low potassium? I am now taking diuretics and a potassium pill, but my potassium is still low.

I've also been on steroids for my asthma recently. Have you any advice? 

Answer

Hypokalemia is the term for a low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important to the function of the nerve and muscle cells, including those in the heart. It's important to have your potassium levels in the blood checked regularly if you are taking diuretics (water pills) or other medications that affect the potassium.

We advise you to be guided by your doctor. You should report to your doctor any untoward symptoms you experience. Symptoms of hypokalemia include irregular heartbeat, which can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, or flaccid paralysis (limpness); leg discomfort; extreme thirst; frequent urination; and confusion.

It's important to know which foods are rich in potassium so that you can improve your potassium intake. Potassium is found in a wide range of foods. Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium and low in sodium. Most of the potassium is lost when processing or canning foods, while less is lost from frozen fruits or vegetables.

Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, parsley, and lettuce, as well as broccoli, peas, lima beans, tomatoes, and potatoes, especially the skins, all have significant levels of potassium. Fruits that contain this mineral include oranges and other citrus fruits, bananas, apples, avocados, raisins, and apricots, particularly dried. Whole grains, wheat germ, seeds, and nuts are high-potassium foods. Fish such as flounder, salmon, sardines, and cod are rich in potassium, and many meat foods contain even more potassium than sodium, although they often have additional sodium added as salt

If you're interessted in low potassium level, you might want to read the following articles:

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Related Links

• Health World Online - Potassium
• Penn State - Hypokalemia