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I suffer from serious potassium defiency, the doctor thinks it's due to some of the medication I take for blood pressure, but I need the medication. My levels get so low I have had to have intravenous potassium.
Today was one of those "ooops, I have no potassium" days. I woke up this morning and stretched and my leg cramped up so bad I couldn't walk, not to mention the PAIN. It's better, but still cramped and painful. Luckily I found a couple of potassium pills (I thought I was out).
I am having so much trouble finding information on potassium deficiency, there seems to be much more on having too much potassium. Can anyone help me find literature on this?
I did find this blurb. Boy does this make sense for me!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art19941.asp
Today was one of those "ooops, I have no potassium" days. I woke up this morning and stretched and my leg cramped up so bad I couldn't walk, not to mention the PAIN. It's better, but still cramped and painful. Luckily I found a couple of potassium pills (I thought I was out).
I am having so much trouble finding information on potassium deficiency, there seems to be much more on having too much potassium. Can anyone help me find literature on this?
I did find this blurb. Boy does this make sense for me!
Gee, you think? And no, I am not menapausal, this link just described me to a "T".Potassium is an important mineral if you want a healthy nervous system and a regular heart rhythm. Potassium can help prevent stroke, and works with sodium to control your body's water balance. Potassium also aids in proper muscle contraction.
That's not all potassium does. This mineral helps you maintain stable blood pressure and transmit electrochemical impulses. When you have enough of this mineral, it aids in transferring nutrients through cell membranes.
Signs of potassium deficiency include dry skin, acne, chills, constipation, depression, diarrhea, salt retention/fluid collection (edema), nervousness, insatiable thirst, fluctuations in heart beat, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholesterol levels, low blood pressure, sleep difficulties (insomnia), headaches, trouble breathing.
Potassium deficiency can also lead to thinking impairment, muscle pain, leg cramps, fatigue, and diminished reflex action so you bump into walls and walk around in a daze.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art19941.asp