What causes potassium deficiency in the body?

Generally, potassium deficiency in the body refers to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia may be caused by insufficient potassium intake, excessive potassium loss through the gastrointestinal tract, long-term use of diuretics, hypertension, or primary hyperaldosteronism. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Insufficient Potassium Intake

If an individual has prolonged picky eating habits, anorexia, is on a weight-loss diet, or consumes food low in potassium, it may lead to inadequate potassium intake and result in hypokalemia. It is advisable to increase intake of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, corn, and garlic chives.

2. Excessive Gastrointestinal Potassium Loss

Severe vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal or biliary drainage, or stoma conditions can cause significant potassium loss through the digestive tract, leading to hypokalemia. Timely treatment of the underlying condition is necessary to reduce potassium loss, along with appropriate potassium supplementation under medical supervision.

3. Long-Term Use of Diuretics

Prolonged use of diuretics, such as thiazide diuretics or loop diuretics, increases urinary excretion of potassium ions, potentially causing hypokalemia, which may also be accompanied by symptoms like thirst and frequent urination. It is recommended to adjust the diuretic dosage, monitor serum potassium levels regularly, and supplement potassium salts when necessary.

4. Hypertension

Hypertension is usually caused by a combination of genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, and aging. Some antihypertensive medications may increase potassium excretion, thereby inducing hypokalemia, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and chest pain. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as benazepril hydrochloride tablets, nifedipine sustained-release tablets, or irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide tablets for treatment.

5. Primary Hyperaldosteronism

Primary hyperaldosteronism is typically caused by excessive aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex, leading to increased sodium and water retention and enhanced potassium excretion, which may trigger hypokalemia. Patients may also experience muscle weakness or periodic paralysis. Under medical advice, patients may be treated with medications such as spironolactone tablets, eplerenone tablets, or amiloride hydrochloride tablets.

Maintaining adequate potassium intake, following a balanced diet, avoiding high-salt and high-sugar foods, refraining from excessive exercise, and regularly monitoring blood potassium levels can help prevent and alleviate hypokalemia.