Potassium deficiency: what it means for your health, its symptoms and prevention

Your body should maintain a certain level of Potassium. This natural chemical in the body helps your cells use and produce energy, according to Medicine Net. If potassium levels in your body drop too low, your cells cannot function properly. When the potassium levels in your blood are lower than normal, it's called hypokalemia, Medline Plus reports. 
What does this mean to your body and health? 
When potassium levels are too low, your cells don't work properly. This can lead to muscle aches, cramps, weakness and heart palpitations, according to Medicine Net. WebMD recommends watching out for these other symptoms that may indicate that your potassium is too low:
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-Tingling or numbness in limbs
-Inability to move arm or leg muscles
-Nausea or vomiting
-Constipation
-Feeling thirsty all the time
-Fainting (low blood pressure)
-Depression 
*Note: small drops in your potassium will more likely result in minor symptoms (like cramping, fatigue, and constipation). Larger drops in potassium levels could result in unusual heart rhythms and extreme fatigue, according to Medline Plus. In extreme cases, it could be fatal.
What causes low potassium levels?
Low potassium levels can be caused by some pretty common factors including antibiotics, vomiting or diarrhea, and sweating. Other causes of low potassium include kidney disease, eating disorders and low magnesium levels. Long sessions of exertion (like an intense workout) could temporarily lower your potassium levels too.
What you can do to prevent low potassium naturally. 
To raise your potassium naturally, there are plenty of healthy foods you can add to your diet. Try adding these foods after a workout, after a bout of the flu or when you're feeling unusually tired: Avocados, baked potatoes, bananas, carrots, lean beef, milk, oranges, peanut butter, spinach, salmon, beans and bran. 
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For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement, according to Medline Plus. 
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.