Potassium Deficiency symptoms in Women

Potassium constitutes an important mineral which is quite important for providing the body with vitality, energy. It has been seen that women are more prone to potassium deficiency than men. This lack of potassium also has a medical term called hypokalemia.

Potassium Deficiency in Women causes

One of the major reasons that can be attributed to potassium deficiency in women is pregnancy. This is the time, when the immune system of the woman is at a low. Also stress can be a reason, which is contributed to with loss of fluid in the body, diarrhea and fainting spells.  Laxatives and diuretics can also be a problem. A diet lacking in potassium rich foods like bananas, potatoes can also cause potassium deficiency.

Other related disorders like thyroid problems, kidney diseases and adrenal glands disorder can also be a cause for potassium deficiency in women.  During pregnancy, women experience changes in blood pressure and there is hormonal imbalance as well, that can cause dip in the potassium levels in the body. Due to less than adequate potassium intake, there is loss of muscle strength, the signal between the cells of the body, the heart and the brain is delayed, leading to weakness.

Potassium deficiency symptoms in women

The symptoms of deficiency of potassium in women can be in the form of :

Muscle cramps

Fatigue and weakness

Dry skin

Tingling and numbness

Nausea

Dizziness

Increased urine production

Constipation

Diarrhea

Excessive flatulence

Palpitation

Low blood pressure

Depression

Muscle Damage

Potassium deficiency in women can affect the muscular system, the person may find it tough to walk or even stand properly.  There is a condition called rhabdomyolosis, a condition in which the skeletal muscles become weak, which is also an outcome of potassium deficiency. If the problem is not treated in time, it can also cause paralysis.

Gastrointestinal issues

Potassium deficiency in women can result in constipation, cramps in abdomen, bloating and excessive flatulence in women.   Constipation can be an issue when the fluid from the food, get stuck to the intestinal wall, cause sluggishness and cause bacterial infestation, leading to chronic constipation, irregular bowel movement and stomach pain.

Irregular heart-beats

These are heart muscles that regulate the heartbeats. Due to potassium deficiency in the body, the heart muscles become weak and cannot function properly, which means the usual beat of contraction and relaxing of heart muscles is disadvantaged.  In case of severe potassium deficiency, there can be heart failure too.

Potassium Deficiency in women treatment

The woman has to increase her intake of potassium rich diet in order to cure the problem.  Some of the foods that are rich in potassium include bananas,  citrus fruits, watermelon, peas, nuts, chicken, sardines, leafy green vegetables, potatoes, sardines and cod.   On consultation with a medical practitioner, she may ask you to take potassium supplements. But you have to take them only on the advice of a registered medical practitioner; they are prescribed generally to pregnant women, elderly women and athletes.

The daily dietary requirement for potassium in an adult is 2000 to 3000 mg per day which is available in a healthy balanced diet.