What Causes Potassium Levels to Drop?

Potassium is a necessary ingredient in the human body. It is imperative for the proper functioning of nerve and muscle cells. Potassium comes from foods such as bananas, apricots and dairy products. The kidneys maintain the correct level of potassium by regulating what is present in the body and rejecting the excess through the urine. The metabolic disorder known as hypokalemia is a disease in which potassium levels in the blood stream drop below normal.

Drugs

• Drugs such as antibiotics and diuretics are the most common cause of a potassium deficiency. Carbenicillin, gentamicin and Amphotericin B are the most prevalent. However, anything that causes excess urination will affect the body's ability to maintain correct levels.

Diarrhea

• Excessive diarrhea is also a prime culprit in causing potassium levels to drop. This can occur from a bacterial or viral infection, excess consumption of alcoholic beverages or the use of too many laxatives.

Diseases

• Diseases such as Liddle's syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, Fanconi syndrome and Bartter syndrome directly affect the body's ability to retain potassium. These disorders attack the kidney and cause a deficiency.

Bodily Disorders

• Excessive sweating and vomiting are also prime factors in the drop of potassium levels. This can be caused by a generally unhealthy state of the body or by eating disorders such as bulimia.

Diet

• Although not receiving enough potassium in one's diet is rare, it is possible, especially if a person eats too little produce. Glycyrrhetinic acid also has been shown to have negative effects if one has too much in his or her diet. This is most commonly found in licorice.