5. Dizziness
Because potassium affects heart rhythm, if potassium levels get too low and blood flow is affected, you can feel light-headed or dizzy. (9) If this happens often, it’s time to see your healthcare practitioner.
6. Constipation
Proper digestion requires muscle contraction to move things along. Low potassium = poor muscle function = slowed digestion = constipation.
7. Tingling or Numbness
Nerves communicate with each other via electrical impulses. Electrolytes like potassium facilitate the process:
“Potassium enters the cell more readily than does sodium and instigates the brief sodium-potassium exchange across the cell membranes. In the nerve cells, this sodium-potassium flux generates the electrical potential that aids the conduction of nerve impulses. When potassium leaves the cell, it changes the membrane potential and allows the nerve impulse to progress. This electrical potential gradient, created by the ‘sodium-potassium pump’, helps generate muscle contractions and regulates the heartbeat,” writes Elson M. Haas, M.D. (10)
Impeded nerve function can result in tingling or numbness in the extremities.