The Cramps they are annoying and often painful. Having cramps is the first symptom that our body reflects of a clear lack of potassium.
If you feel that you don't have Energy You continually feel fatigued or weak, it may also be due to that lack of potassium. If you want to know and be sure that your potassium levels are correct, keep reading.
Low or unbalanced potassium levels it can affect our nervous system. Causes muscle cells to not communicate properly with each other and affect the heart, muscle groups and the digestive system. Potassium is found within our body in the cellslas, and a deficiency can have serious consequences if not corrected.
We want to tell you what are the most common signs that our body sends us so that you take it into account and know how to differentiate those symptoms.
How to know if you have a potassium deficiency
If your body sends you the following signals, keep them in mind so that you do not let time pass and take action, since if we present a deficiency of any nutrient we could endanger our health.
Weakness and physical fatigue
The muscle aches, cramps, and weakness it is the most common way to detect it. It can mainly affect the arms, legs and respiratory muscles.
Furthermore, if the levels of potassium are low, it is likely that the muscle cells are not recharged with energy as they should. This causes the muscles not to contract and to exercise normally and optimally.
On the other hand, weakness, spasms, and a tingling sensation they are also warning signs for a lack of potassium. If you have these symptoms, you should see your GP for blood tests or a diagnosis.
Irregular heartbeat
Lack of potassium, can cause changes in the activity of our heart. One of the first symptoms is having an irregular heartbeat without an apparent cause. If you are not used to doing sports and you start to notice abnormalities it may be because of that lack of potassium.
This lack, slows down the pace and can cause dizziness. These arrhythmias can be of several types, some make the heart beat very fast like a tachycardia and other times it goes slower than normal. Also, these changes can be accompanied by dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, and excessive sweating.
High blood pressure
Hypertension is usually directly related to genetic inheritance, influenced by family history, overweight and excessive salt consumption. A deficiency in potassium can also cause blood pressure to rise. Therefore, we have to take care of our diet, not abuse salt or food Pre-cooked and eat foods rich in potassium.
Cramps
The most common of athletes are cramps, is usually due to this lack of potassium. The activity and relaxation of the muscles depends on potassium, and if we do not have that amount of potassium within us, it will cause cramps either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Take note of the following foods to avoid potassium deficiency
Many times we find the solution to our health problems in food, therefore, we want to tell you which ones you have to focus on so that you never have a lack of potassium in the body.
It is true that whenever we talk about potassium we name the banana, It is a rich source of potassium, however, we also get a lot of potassium from other foods that we may not relate to this nutrient directly.
- Chard: Swiss chard is a rich source of potassium, it is a very easy vegetable to harvest and it is also very healthy. Ideal for preparing different nutritious and low-calorie dishes.
- Spinach: actually all green leafy vegetables are very beneficial for the body and among them, there are also spinach.
- Banana: one of the most caloric fruits contains a lot of potassium. A diabetic will have to watch his consumption because it could affect his insulin levels.
- Cabbage or cabbage: This vegetable is seasonal, therefore, when you see it, do not hesitate to buy it to improve your health.
- Potato: one of the most grateful foods, since they are inexpensive, is the potato. Fortunately, it is rich in starches, carbohydrates and potassium. The ideal is to consume them steamed or cooked to avoid being caloric.
- AvocadoAvocados are a fruit that provides a large amount of potassium, take advantage of the avocado and consume it in the morning to give you energy and also to prevent you from gaining weight.
With these tips you can already detect the lack of potassium in your body and know how to choose which foods you have to focus on. Do not hesitate to go to your family doctor When you think you have a health problem, it is very important not to put yourself in danger.