Potassium is the important micro-nutrients minerals are present in banana, Orange and vegetables that plays the necessary role in our body by proper functioning and maintain the muscles contractions, heart beat, reflexes, and normal kidney function also regulates the nerve Impulses mechanism by maintaining Sodium-Potassium Pump. Nerve impulse are generated by movement of sodium and potassium ions in the body. Drop levels of these minerals can effect the ability of these impulses and weaking muscles contraction. Recently interest of many physician in topic of can low potassium cause cancer.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia means lowering the levels of potassium minerals in the body. Excessive loss of potassium from the urine, sweat, and in the digestive tract through vomiting, bloody diarrhea and through some medications. loss of these minerals also effect the nerve and muscles cells to perform their function properly. We need also potassium for healthy digestive system. Our body gets potassium through food and eat. Kidney release excessive minerals through urine to keep the levels in the body.
The Link Between low Potassium and Cancer
Low potassium is not directly a sign of cancer, it can associated with certain types of cancer or cancer treatment. Additionally, cancer treatments like chemotherapy can cause electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium.
- Renal Cell Carcinoma
kidney are main organ that maintain the normal levels of potassium because it excreted potassium through Urine. Low levels of these minerals cause disease like hypokalemia. This type of cancer related with kidney can destroy levels of potassium.
- Adrenal Gland Cancer/Tumor
Cancer in the adrenal area cause more formation of hormones that disrupt the potassium levels in the body. These tumors increased the excretion of these minerals from the body.
- Intestinal Cancer
Intestinal cancer, also called small intestine cancer, usually starts in the lining of the small intestine and spread from the digestive system to other parts of the body. It disturb the digestive system and decreased level of potassium levels in blood and deficiency occur.
- Lungs Cancer
small cell lung cancer is really fast growing cancer known as lung cancer. It can produce variety of hormones that effect the normal mechanism of potassium minerals in body.
Symptoms of Low Potassium in Cancer Patients
Muscles Weakness: Low levels of potassium cause muscles weakness and fatigue.
Fatigue: Lack of energy and fatigue issues cause muscles cramp.
Bloody Diarrhea: excessive loss of these minerals from the body can cause bloody diarrhea and loss of much of energy.
Constipation: low potassium cause digestive problem and causing constipation issues.
Diagnosing low Potassium In Cancer Patient
Diagnosing low potassium involves a simple blood test to measure potassium levels. In cancer patients, regular check of electrolytes of the treatment plan, especially if they are chemotherapy or have cancers known to affect potassium levels.
- Dietary Changes
Patient include changes by their diet by taking different fruits and vegetables like Orange, Banana, dried apricots and leafy vegetables like Avocado, sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Beets, and Beans.
- Supplements
If patients have low levels of Potassium Minerals that your Physicians suggest supplements to maintain the normal level.
- Medication Adjustment
If medication that can contributes the normal levels of potassium levels, doctor may suggest the dosage or change it.
Preventing Low Potassium In Cancer Patients
Preventing low potassium involves regular monitoring and management. Cancer patients should have their electrolyte level check regularly, especially if they are undergoing treatments known potassium levels. A balanced diet rich in potassium can also help maintain normal levels.
Summary
Potassium in not directly sign of cancer but a cancer patient may face loss of potassium minerals through from different factors that we discuss in our blog. Understood the link between cancer and potassium are very helpful for management and preservation process. Regularly Check Up and dietary changes can help maintain normal potassium levels and improve overall health in cancer patients.
