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Potassium plays an essential role in various functions of the body, especially when it comes to nerves, muscles, and the heart
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Potassium levels in the blood are less than that in the cells. This concentration gradient between the extracellular and intracellular fluid is maintained by an ATPase system
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Starvation, tobacco chewing, malignant hypertension, and reduced volume of blood can lead to a reduction in potassium levels causing hypokalemia
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Abusing laxatives, excessive vomiting, and a history of taking diuretic medications or liquorice consumption can lead to hypokalemia
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Reduced levels of potassium can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, reduced secretion of insulin, and sometimes even periodic paralysis
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Bananas are a great source of potassium — whether you wish to mix them up in a smoothie or eat them with cereal, you will keep hypokalemia at bay
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Vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes also contain a healthy amount of potassium and should be included in your diet in adequate proportions
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If you’re about to make a sandwich, try to add cucumbers or zucchini to it, and you will end up adding potassium to your plate
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A breakfast person may appreciate a glass of orange juice, and that could be a way of including potassium in your morning meal
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Patients with hypokalemia must visit the healthcare provider and get the correct prescription which may involve oral medications or intravenous therapy to treat this condition