Bananas are a good source of potassium.
Image Credit: mediavn/iStock/Getty Images Potassium is an element the human body requires for proper bodily function. Frequent urination can cause a person to have too little potassium in his system and lead to negative health consequences. If you’re experiencing frequent urination, this could be a sign of a more serious medical condition and you should consult a medical professional for medical advice.
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Potassium
Potassium is a naturally occurring mineral that people typically ingest through their diet. The mineral plays a key role in numerous key bodily processes, such as assisting in protein synthesis, building muscle and maintaining normal electrical activity in the heart, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Potassium deficiencies are rarely caused by inadequate diets, but people whose diets cause more frequent urination or who take substances that cause more frequent urination can develop potassium deficiencies.
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Low Potassium
When a person’s blood contains a level of potassium lower than normal, this is generally referred to as hypokalemia, according to MayoClinic.com. Potassium is normally present in the blood at a level between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalents per liter. Having a level below 2.5 mEq per liter is considered life-threatening. People with hypokalemia have symptoms that include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation and heart arrhythmias.
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Hypokalemia Causes
MayoClinic.com reports that hypokalemia has a range of potential causes, the most common of which is excessive urination brought about by another cause. Diuretics, pills or substances that cause people to urinate more frequently can lead to hypokalemia, as can diarrhea, vomiting, eating disorders and excess use of laxatives. Hypokalemia also can be caused by more serious medical conditions, such as chronic kidney failure and primary aldosteronism, a hormonal disorder that leads to high blood pressure.
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Treatments
Low potassium levels, whether brought about by excessive urination or other causes, might require medical treatment to alleviate. A physician might prescribe potassium supplements or other remedies, such as a change in diet or altering your current medication. Consult a physician before you start taking any potassium supplement.
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references
MedlinePlus: Potassium in Diet
Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Potassium
Penn State Hershey Medical Center: Hypokalemia
references
MedlinePlus: Potassium in Diet
Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Potassium
Penn State Hershey Medical Center: Hypokalemia
Bananas are a good source of potassium.
Image Credit: mediavn/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: mediavn/iStock/Getty Images
MedlinePlus: Potassium in Diet
Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Potassium
Penn State Hershey Medical Center: Hypokalemia
