What causes a person to keep losing potassium?

Question

I keep having to take potassium because I keep losing it. What can cause this?

Answer 1

If you do not have chronic vomiting or diarrhoea, and you are not on a medication that causes potassium loss in the urine (such as diuretics or corticosteroids) or shift into the cells (such as theophylline and beta-agonists), then it is possibly a problem with the adrenal glands secreting too much aldosterone or cortisol (which causes potassium loss in the urine) or the kidneys (failure to reabsorb sufficient potassium).

Alternatively you could be having a form of hypokalemic periodic paralysis with attacks precipitated by exercise or high-carbohydrate meals, or have high thyroid hormone levels.

Please consult the doctor who is prescribing you those tablets to find out the actual cause.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Potassium is a salt that is lost thru sweat...you sweat more in the winter than you think. You can replace with bananas or some sports drinks but if you are on a certain diet that requires you not to have too many carbs there is a mix called emergent-c it is a mix that gives you alot of potassium without the carbs.....alot more potassium than bananas...Pills are good but seek the advise of a doc...too much can cause kidney failure....A strong form of potassium is used as a one of the ingredients of people put to death by lethal injection.
The first sign of a cramp is the first indication of loss ....

Answer 4

Do you take Lasix or other diuretics? Do you work on a job that causes you to sweat a great deal? Do you have chronic Diarrhea or vomit a lot. all these things can cause a loss of potassium. Eat bananas at least 1 a day. They are very high in potassium

Answer 5

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RE:
What causes a person to keep losing potassium?
I keep having to take potassium because I keep losing it. What can cause this?

Answer 6

Taking a diuretic, improper diet, excessive sweating. Bananas are good. A potassium suppliment is not very expensive.

Answer 7

Like everyone else has said, lasix, or any potassium wasting diuretic, kidney disease, excess sweating. But be careful taking supplements because too little or too much can cause dangerous heart arrhythmia's. best bet is to see your primary care physician.

Answer 8

Are you taking any prescription medicines, such a Lisinopril for hypertension?

That can do it and eating bananas can replace the potassium or supplements.

Answer 9

Diabetes, renal disease- excessive sweating--- see a specialist ASAP, this is serious -- low potassium can cause heart failure which leads to death

Answer 10

diarrhea can cause potassium depletion. Also not getting enough in your body from not eating enough oranges, bannanas or potatoes.