Caution: If you have experienced these symptoms, you may have low potassium levels.

Potassium is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of the human body. It helps regulate various bodily functions and ensures proper nerve, muscle, and heart function. A lack of this mineral in the body manifests itself in various symptoms, which are often confused with other conditions .

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine , potassium is also a type of electrolyte, helping transport energy throughout the body. Maintaining adequate levels of this mineral in the body helps nutrients flow to cells and waste products, as well as regulate blood pressure.

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Potassium is obtained primarily from the daily diet, but if there is an imbalance, a deficiency can occur , leading to effects on various body systems, especially the circulatory and muscular systems.

However, it's very common to experience a shortage of important nutrients in our daily diet. The body manifests symptoms of these deficiencies in different ways, so they can be confused with other conditions or common fatigue .

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Diet isn't the only factor that causes a lack of adequate minerals. People who regularly take medications for kidney disease, genetic disorders, or blood pressure problems may experience an imbalance in these nutrients.

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, adequate potassium levels should be between 3.7 and 5.2 milliequivalents per liter (mEg/L) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L) . When potassium levels fall below these levels, the body begins to show symptoms.

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Since potassium is the mineral responsible for muscle contractions and the proper functioning of the heart, when there is a decrease, the main symptoms may be fatigue, numbness, cramps, odors or contractions in the digestive system .

Similarly, in other people, low potassium levels often manifest as minor symptoms such as constipation, tingling and numbness, muscle pain, spasms, or weakness. Some experts indicate that low potassium levels can manifest as mood swings or mental fatigue .

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