Naturally present in numerous foods, potassium is an important mineral for the functioning of our vital organs. For example, it transmits nerve impulses and ensures muscle contraction. A deficiency in potassium can have serious health consequences – learn how to recognise the signs, and find out how best to include it in your diet!
What are the causes of potassium deficiency, called hypokalemia
Hypokalemia refers to a lack of potassium in the blood, which can have various causes, particularly:
- a significant loss of potassium via the urine or following vomiting or diarrhea
- insufficient potassium in the diet
Our daily potassium requirements vary with age and sex. 2 g per day is generally recommended.
The 6 signs of a lack of potassium:
A lack of potassium can affect the digestive system and cause problems such as:
- nausea or abdominal pains.
Potassium helps maintain the acidity of gastric secretions in the stomach, which are vital for good functioning of the digestive tract.
2) Muscle weakness
Potassium plays an important role in muscular function, because it ensures contraction of the various muscles in the body.
In the case of a deficiency, a person may experience muscle pain or weakness.
3) Heart palpitations
A deficiency in potassium can also affect the heart. Given that potassium ensures that the cardiac muscle contracts, in the case of a deficiency, the heart may have difficulty pumping blood, which disrupts the heartbeat, in turn causing palpitations.
If you regularly or constantly feel tired, even after resting or after a good night’s sleep, you may be suffering from a lack of potassium, because this mineral is essential for the functioning of all the cells in the body.
5) Numbness, tingling
A lack of potassium can affect the nervous system and lead to problems such as feelings of numbness or tingling, particularly in the hands and feet.
6) Raised blood pressure
In the case of a potassium deficiency in the body, the blood vessels, which are usually dilated, can contract, causing a rise in blood pressure. If the blood vessels are smaller, the blood exerts strong pressure on the walls of the blood vessels.
Getting potassium in your diet
In order to prevent a deficiency in potassium, here is a list of foods that are very rich in potassium, which you can consume regularly:
- Unsweetened dark chocolate
- Dried apricots
- Dried figs
- Legumes (beans, lentils, etc.)