Cause 5: Diarrhea and Vomiting
Picture this: you’ve just weathered a nasty bout of gastroenteritis with recurrent bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. While you may think your troubles are over once the storm passes, these gastrointestinal woes might have slyly stolen significant amounts of potassium from your body.
Diarrhea and vomiting increase the loss of bodily fluids, which, in turn, depletes essential electrolytes like potassium. Persistent or severe cases can result in significant electrolyte imbalances, including Hypokalemia. This is especially true for conditions causing chronic diarrhea, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Rehydrating is crucial after a gastrointestinal illness. But remember, rehydration is not just about replacing lost water; it’s about restoring the balance of essential electrolytes too. Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions are usually effective and contain a balanced mix of electrolytes.(*)
