Saturday, April 12, 2008

Home Remedy for Hypokalemia

There are small chemicals in the human that are crucial in its functions called electrolytes. One of the said important electrolytes is Potassium it is concentrated within the cells of the body. Any significant changes of potassium in the serum levels can affect body function. When the potassium serum level falls, cells with high electrical activity (e.g, muscles and nerves) are affected.

Causes

Loss of potassium can occur from the gastrointestinal tract and from the kidney.

Potassium loss from the intestines causes:

* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Ileostomy
* Villous adenoma
* Laxative use

Causes of potassium loss from the kidney:

* Diuretic medications
* Elevated corticosteroid
* Renal tubular acidosis
* Low body magnesium levels
* Elevated levels of aldosterone

Hypokalemia is not commonly caused by poor dietary intake.

Symptoms

* Muscle weakness
* Muscle pain
* Muscle cramps

For the complete article about Hypokalemia click here



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