Low sodium, potassium and hemoglobin levels indicate a deficiency state that may cause bothersome symptoms. Your health care provider is critical in assessing if you have a lower-than-optimal level and what the cause may be. Treatments range from supplementation, changes in medication or diet, or addressing an underlying illness.
Low Potassium Levels
Low potassium, or hypokalemia, is a lower-than-normal blood level of potassium. Hypokalemia is defined as a level lower than 2.5 millimoles per liter and can be life-threatening. An electrolyte, potassium is necessary for nerve and muscle function, especially the heart muscle cells. The most common cause is the use of diuretics that cause an excessive loss of potassium in the urine. Other possible causes include excessive sweating and vomiting, diarrhea, eating disorders, laxative use and certain medications such as antibiotics. Diseases such as kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, primary aldosteronism and Cushing’s syndrome can cause hypokalemia. A low potassium level can be treated with oral or intravenous potassium, adjustments to your medications or addressing an underlying illness.
A condition called hyponatremia results from an abnormally low level of sodium in the blood. Hyponatremia results when the sodium level falls below 135 milliequivalents per liter and can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from mild to severe. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the movement of water throughout the body. It also maintains blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Certain medications, such as diuretics, antidepressants and painkillers, can cause a low sodium level. Underlying conditions including liver and kidney disease and congestive heart failure can also cause hyponatremia. Excess sweating, vomiting and drinking too much water can lower the sodium content of your blood as well. Treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying condition and may include intravenous fluids, medications and water restriction.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
A low iron level is known as iron deficiency anemia. Iron is a critical part of a red blood cell protein, hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia can be mild with relatively unnoticeable symptoms, but as the body becomes more deficient, the anemia and symptoms worsen. Left untreated, iron deficiency can become severe and lead to complications. Causes of iron deficiency anemia include heavy blood loss, a diet lacking in iron, impaired iron absorption and increased iron needs during pregnancy and infancy. If your doctor confirms that you have deficiency, your treatment will depend on the cause. If necessary, your doctor will treat the underlying cause of your low iron. Your health care provider may prescribe iron supplements to replenish your iron stores. If your deficiency is due to a poor diet, eating more iron-rich foods may adequately raise your iron levels.
Sodium, potassium and iron are all nutrients that can be obtained through food. Depending on the cause and severity of your deficiency, however, dietary changes may not be enough. To diagnosis a low level, your doctor will perform a physical examination, ask about your medical history and likely order blood tests. Your doctor may order additional tests if an underlying cause is suspected.
Articles For Your Diet
- Darrin Klimek/Digital Vision/Getty Images