Low potassium

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I’m wondering how frequently low potassium should be monitored.

I had a blood test showing a level of 2.9, then given three days of oral potassium, then a blood test showing level of 3.1 which is improved but not in normal range. It has spooked me a bit as this has never been an issue for me previously and my diet happens to include plenty of foods that are rich in potassium.

Doctors seem content to leave it a few weeks before testing again but I can’t shake the niggling feeling that in that time levels might get too low and make me ill.

Is it standard to leave it a few weeks between monitoring low potassium?

Can anyone reassure me that levels going lower will be a very gradual process and not happen in a matter of days?

I don’t feel great at the moment but it’s hard to separate out low potassium symptoms from heatwave symptoms. I’m making sure I’m well hydrated without overdoing it.

Are you taking a daily electrolytes, in this heat? Or eating watermelon, drinking coconut water? It’s very easy to be low in potassium, most people are, as the body requires quite a lot of it.

No - I haven’t been

I’ve always had good potassium levels until 3 weeks ago (I have regular blood tests to monitor side effects of a medication) so it hasn’t occurred to me. Not helped by the fact electrolyte products all seem to have additional ingredients that I can’t tolerate. I generally eat next to no processed/artificial foods. I’ll add watermelon to the bananas regime

BAnanas arent terrifically high. So definitely add watermelon, dried apricots, coconut water. This hot weather means we are sweating more and need more electrolytes. If you have cream of tartar in your cupboard you can take a little tiny bit of that in a glass of water.

You can get plain electrolytes, they don't taste great alone but you can mix them with a drink of your choice.

Lentils and romaine lettuce are excellent sources of potassium, as is coconut water. You can make juices with lettuce to get more of it.

I have found the LMNT electryolyte is the best for clean ingredients. You might want to check if it is ok for your needs?
but yes to watermelon here also.

I have a potassium of 3,3, probably caused by the heat and stress (i drink enough water but had no appetite during the heatwaves) I have some symptoms that could be caused by the low potassium (fatigue, heart palpitations, muscle issues) but can also be caused by my low ferritin, perimenopause and stress...

My GP ordered a repeat blood test after 4 weeks to see if its normalized but isnt concerned.

I think that unless there is a clear reason for acute potassium loss (such as D&V or excessive sweating, or kidney issues) a sudden sharp drop is unlikely. I also think you would become symptomatic if that happened. How are you doing now?

I eat a lot of potassium rich foods now and on very hot days drink 2 glasses of coconut water, hoping this helps with the depletion 🤞