Sodium & Potassium Deficiency

High concentrations of potassium inside cells and sodium outside cells create an electrochemical boundary that is critical to the cells' function. As dietary minerals and electrolytes, sodium and potassium in proper concentrations are essential to heart, nerve and muscle functions. High-sodium American diets commonly upset the balance, and profuse sweating over time can lead to losses of sodium and potassium, causing hyponatremia, a potentially-fatal condition.

Problems

• Concentration imbalances---almost always too little potassium---lead to developmental and blood disorders, while total electrolyte deficiencies cause hyponatremia.

Potassium Deficiency

• Potassium deficiencies in developing children can lead to lung and kidney problems. Adults can experience myriad serious health problems, including stroke, hypertension, kidney stones and osteoporosis.

Potassium Deficiency Solutions

• Most potassium deficiencies are in relation to the amount of sodium ingested through food. Limiting salt intake helps maintain the body's desired balance. For serious cases or at-risk patients, a potassium supplement may be recommended.

Potassium Sources

• Potassium salt supplements generally are more bio-available than the potassium in your daily multivitamin. Many fruits and vegetables contain plentiful potassium, especially potatoes, plums, bananas, tomatoes, squash, spinach, garlic and avocado.

Hyponatremia

• Even experienced athletes are at risk of developing low levels of electrolytes when enduring long contests such as marathons. Hyponatremia, a critical deficiency of sodium and potassium, causes sluggishness or cessation of certain cell functions. Symptoms include feeling bloated, inability to urinate and dizziness; severe cases can be fatal.

Hyponatremia Solutions

• Electrolyte-infused drinks, fruit drinks containing potassium, chicken broth, tomato juice and salt tablets help replace electrolytes lost through sweat.