what causes my potassium to be low
Why Your Potassium May Be Low. 1  1. Medication sides effect: Some medications for illnesses like asthma or emphysema can lower your Potassium levels. 2  2. Kidneyâs lose Potassium: For patients whoâve had a kidney transplant or disorder like tubular acidosis, kidney disorders can cause low Potassium levels. 3. Low Magnesium or Sodium: Both Magnesium and Sodium are important to aid the body in Potassium metabolizing. An inadequate intake of Magnesium or absorption issues in the body can produce low levels of Potassium.
Low Potassium Causes. Low potassium can occur for many reasons. Use of water pills (diuretics), diarrhea, and chronic laxative abuse are the most common causes of low potassium levels. Illness and other medications may also lower potassium levels. Woman and African-Americans are at higher risk of developing hypokalemia.
Causes of Hypokalemia. Typically, the potassium level becomes low because too much is lost from the digestive tract due to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive laxative use. Sometimes too much potassium is excreted in urine, usually because of drugs that cause the kidneys to excrete excess sodium, water, and potassium (diuretics).