What causes hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia is caused by a decrease in potassium going inside the body or an increased amount going out. It may also be caused by too much potassium moving from the blood into the cells. Any of the following conditions can lead to hypokalemia: • Not eating enough potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, tomatoes, oranges, turkey and milk. Frequently eating foods or drinking liquids that contain caffeine may also lead to hypokalemia. Caffeine is in some coffees, teas, sodas, and chocolates. • Certain medicines, such as diuretics (water pills), heart or blood pressure medicines, insulin, steroids, or antibiotics. Barium (type of metal) poisoning or laxative (bowel movement softener) abuse may also lead to hypokalemia. • Heavy sweating during an intense and prolonged physical activity. • Medical conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, frequent diarrhea (loose bowel movement), or kidney problems. Too much body fluid loss, such as in large burns and vomiting (t
