What Are The Effects Of Too Much Or Little Of Potassium?
A good balance between sodium and potassium is needed by our body cells to enable the correct degree of movement of electrolytes and electrical activity within and between our body cells. Too little potassium can lead to a loss of energy and general weakness, an irregular heartbeat, irregular gastrointestinal function, osteoporosis and blood pressure issues. Although a dietary shortage is rare, potassium can be lost by malabsorption (e.g. Crohn’s disease), sickness and diarrhea, excessive sweating and too much sodium (common salt) in your diet. None of these causes could be described as rare.
Potassium Deficiency
Obtusely, the effects of a potassium overdose are very similar to those of a deficiency: irregular heartbeat, sickness and diarrhea, stomach cramps and also a tingling of the skin, or ‘pins and needles’. This shows the importance of a good balance of electrolytes in your body, particularly between sodium and potassium. It is important, therefore, that when taking a supplement of potassium you stick rigidly to the dosage instructions provided.