can you tell me what it means that your body is low in potassium?

Answer 1

Your low in potassium!

Answer 2

Potassium is one of the minerals (also referred to as electrolytes) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles.

Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions.


Our arms and legs, for example, need potassium for the muscles to move.

The heart would not beat without potassium, which is also necessary to regulate blood pressure.

The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium. It removes excess potassium into the urine.

When potassium levels are low, you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired.
If you have your blood checked, you might compare your readings with normal levels. The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (this is a measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.
Almost 1 out of 5 people hospitalized in the United States have a low potassium level. Up to 14% of people otherwise seen in doctors' offices have slightly low potassium levels.
Low potassium can occur for many reasons. Use of water pills (diuretic therapy), diarrhea, and chronic laxative abuse are the most common causes of low potassium in the elderly.



Kidney losses


Certain kidney disorders such as renal tubular acidosis (see chronic kidney failure and acute kidney failure)


Magnesium deficiency


Leukemia
Loss through stomach and intestines


Vomiting


Enemas or excessive laxative use


Diarrhea


After ileostomy operation
Effect of medicines


Water pills (diuretics)


Medicines used for asthma or emphysema (beta-adrenergic agonist type of drugs such as bronchodilators, steroids, or theophylline)


Aminoglycosides (a type of antibiotic used for treating certain serious infections)
Shift of potassium across cells


Use of insulin


Certain metabolic states (such as alkalosis)
Decreased intake or malnutrition

Check this site for the rest of the info - too much to include here!
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/low_potassium/page2_em.htm

Answer 3

Eat a banana everyday and maybe you'll have perfect potassium levels.

Answer 4

you will get cramps easier. Potassium helps keep your muscles lubricated.

Answer 5

you need to eat bananas.

Answer 6

you need to eat some bananas kid!

Answer 7

cardiac arrythmias.