When it comes to cancer, you can never be too sure to live life as cautiously and preventatively as possible. From frequent UTIs to chemical hair straighteners, it seems as if we’re constantly on alert to ensure our body isn’t in danger.
Suffering from low potassium, also known as hypokalemia, can present a wide array of disorienting symptoms, and some beg the question: is low potassium a sign of cancer? There’s evidence that could potentially prove so, but let’s start from the beginning.
What Does Potassium Do?
Why is it important to have potassium in the body in the first place? A mineral alchemized for cell, nerve and muscle function, potassium plays an important role in our vitality. It helps restore energy, aid in muscle recovery after exercise and regulate critical body functions.
According to the USDA, the normal potassium intake for adults is 4,700 mg a day. Some warning signs your body uses to indicate that you may be low in potassium include having an irregular heartbeat, constipation, muscle cramps, weakness or abnormal fatigue. While there are many ways in which potassium supports our vitality, one of the vital factors to cancer prevention is actually having a balanced level of potassium.
Is Low Potassium a Sign of Cancer?
Is there a link between cancer and potassium deficiency? The answer is a bit nuanced. Electrolytes, which play a crucial role in nerve function, are minerals with an electrical charge. The major electrons in your body are sodium, magnesium, calcium, and, you guessed it, potassium.
An electrolyte imbalance, or low potassium levels, affect cellular processes pretty catastrophically, leading to something known as cellular edema. This process occurs when the cells lose too much potassium, ingest more sodium and swell with excessive water. Because of this process, the cells become susceptible to mutation and cancer.
In a nutshell, while the link certainly isn’t guaranteed, it is possible that having low potassium levels can put the body more at risk for cancer.
How To Up Your Potassium Intake
Low potassium levels can be caused by certain medications or medical conditions, as well as food poisoning or chronic diarrhea and vomiting.
While we’ve been told since the dawn of time that bananas are the most accessible source of potassium, this can be pretty limiting information. While it’s true that bananas truly do contain high amounts of potassium, there are many other ways to assure yourself you’re getting an adequate amount in your diet.
Eating other potassium-rich foods such as lima beans, spinach, kiwis, salmon and orange juice can be incredibly helpful. Additionally, in mild enough cases, your doctor may prescribe you oral potassium pills.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask
If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms of potassium deficiency and have a sneaking suspicion your levels may be imbalanced, don’t hesitate to reach out to your medical care provider and ask for a check. With a simple urine electrolyte test, you can determine your levels and avoid putting your body anywhere near a risk of cancer.