Did you know that hair loss could be a sign of potassium deficiency? That’s not the only worrying effect a low potassium count can have on the body. Most people don’t think about their potassium levels. With so many things to worry about, potassium rarely pops up in conversation. Here you’ll discover why it’s important to keep those potassium levels topped up and how to spot the signs of a deficiency.
Hair loss
Of course, one of the most troubling signs of a potassium deficiency is hair loss. If your body isn’t getting enough potassium, it can cause an excessive amount of sodium to build-up around the follicles of the hair. This then stops the follicles being able to absorb other vital nutrients that it needs to stay healthy. So increasing the amount of potassium in your diet could help to stop hair loss in its tracks.
Abnormal heartbeat and digestive issues
A slightly more serious sign of a potassium deficiency is an abnormal heartbeat. Potassium actually plays a very important role in many processes within the body. With the heart, it can hinder the contractions of the heart, causing an irregular heartbeat.
If you tend to get abdominal bloat and constipation, that could also be a sign of a low potassium count. It can play havoc with the digestive system, causing the intestinal muscles to malfunction.
Excessive urination, fainting and dizziness
When the body detects a potassium deficiency, it can cause excessive urination. This in turn can lead to fainting and dizziness as your blood pressure dips. It causes an electrolyte and water imbalance which leads to excessive urination.
The dangers of Hypokalemia
The actual medical term for a potassium deficiency is known as Hypokalemia. The effects it has on the body vary between people, but it can have a severe impact on your health. In some cases, it can even be fatal. This is because potassium is an important part of various body functions.
Some of the signs of Hypokalemia include unexplained weakness and tiredness, muscle pain, insomnia, numbness and tingling in the arms, blistering of the skin and a ringing noise in the ears.
Overall you’ll notice the side effects could also point to several other conditions. Therefore, it’s important to go to the doctor if you do experience any of the signs above. A potassium deficiency may not sound serious, but it could potentially be the cause of your hair loss.
