Enlisting in the army...hypokalemia...?

Question

I have hypokalemia, can I enlist in the Army.

Answer 1

If it is caused by a treatable problem, get the problem treated and the hypokalemia will go away. Read reference #1.

But basically you are either excreting too much or not taking enough in. Problems noted in reference #1 cause too much excretion. I bet your problem is caused by diet.

If you are a typical young American, you have a a crappy diet full of burgers and fries, washed down with diet sodas. You take in way too much salt (sodium) and not enough potassium. (Using potassium chloride (KCl salt) is dangerous. Do not do that!!)

Try eating correctly and I bet your "condition" goes away.

Eat more bananas, tomatoes, oranges, avocados, apricots, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, nectarines and peaches which are high in potassium. Also milk, yogurt and orange juice from concentrate. Other foods that have a high potassium content, Molasses, nuts and chocolate candy. Articokes, brocolli, potatoes and tomato paste. More are on the list at the website below.

If you eat properly and the "condition" goes away, then you do not have the "condition" and you can join the army.

Answer 2

No. It's not disqualifying. But, that lack of potassium in your system could prove dangerous during initial military training. Since it is treatable with pottasium tablet supplements, the danger is somewhat reduced. If your hypokalemia is because of your use of diuretics, knock it off!

Answer 3

What is hypokalemia???

I would ask a recruiter...

Good luck. I hope you can. there is a lot of opportunity in the military!

Answer 4

Depends on how bad you have it, you might be able to get a waiver, but if you get dizzy or need to eat regularly there may be a problem. Like the other answer though, chances are if you talk to a recruiter they can help you.