Below I've copied an article about what causes low potassium. I can rule out every single cause except the last one, that chemotherapy causes it, or some other form of waves. Diarrhea can cause it, so if I was having bad diarrhea, as I said I was, after the zaps, this could have caused the abnormally low potassium. I wasn't bulimic and there was nothing wrong with my diet, and I wasn't a drinker then, except for an occasional experimental glass of wine, to see if it helped with the pain. Potassium Iodine is also given to people before and after nuclear accidents or exposure, to reduce damage to the thyroid where it can accumulate and affect hormone production and other things. Basically, it also prevents damage when vomiting and diarrhea begins. You can find information about potassium iodine for accidents online. As for low potassium in general, see below:
How to Understand What Causes Low Potassium
By eHow Health Editor
Rate: (41 Ratings)
Ninety-eight percent of the body's potassium is contained inside the cells. Potassium is an electrolyte, and it effects skeletal and cardiac function. Low levels of circulating potassium can result in serious health problems. Here are a few steps to help you understand the causes of low potassium.
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InstructionsDifficulty: Moderate
Step1Realize that excessive vomiting and diarrhea can cause low potassium, called hypokalemia, because large amounts of potassium are contained in gastric fluids.
Step2Consider that too much insulin secretion can cause hypokalemia because insulin promotes potassium to enter skeletal muscle cells.
Step3Understand that alcoholics, and the debilitated elderly, and people with unhealthy diets are prone to hypokalemia because of poor nutrition, resulting in increased potassium loss due to illness.
Step4Know that taking diuretics, which are drugs that increase your urination, often cause hypokalemia because of renal potassium being depleted. Furosemide, the thiazides and ethacrynic acid are known as "potassium-losing diuretics."
Step5Be aware that adrenal tumors, congestive heart failure and hypertension predispose a person to hypokalemia because renal potassium stores can be depleted by these conditions.
Step6Understand that anorexics and bulemics often suffer with hypokalemia because potassium is lost through self-inflicted vomiting, laxative and diuretic abuse.
Step7Be aware that chemotherapy can cause hypokalemia.
Tips & Warnings
Eighty percent of your body's potassium is excreted via your kidneys. Twenty percent is lost through bowel movements and perspiration.
Severe hypokalemia may cause severe muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure.
Normal blood potassium level is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/liter.
If you have a heart condition of any sort, or are on digitalis, maintain a proper potassium level to guard against developing an irregular heart rate.
If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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streetcleaner saidFlag This Comment This comment has been flagged.
on 10/6/2008 I'm still finding out information on my condition (low potassium/hbp). Has anyone ever experienced twitching in the muscles near the head/face when their potassium is running low?
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