How do you lose potassium?

Answer 1

You lose it in the fluids expelled from the body. When you are sweating, are sick with diarrhea or vomiting, are spitting excessively, or if you are taking certain diuretics (water pills), you may need extra potassium.

Athletes who sweat a lot need extra potassium, as well as sodium. Football players during summer two a day practices can lose up to 3 liters of fluid each practice. Wrestlers who are trying to make weight for their match will often lose weight by sweating in a sauna and spitting. Hikers may spend a long time without taking in fluid and potassium. Because they are losing fluid through perspiration, even if they do not feel it, they are losing potassium. Those living in the South or Southwest, especially those doing physical activities outdoors, are susceptible to losing fluid and potassium through perspiration. In the South, the humidity makes you more aware of the sweat. In the Southwest the dry air makes the fluid loss less noticeable. Some bodybuilders who have taken diuretics before a contest, trying to look "shredded", have died. Patients on potassium excreting diuretics usually need to take a potassium supplement.

Answer 2

You can lose potassium through excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and the use of certain medications like diuretics. A diet low in potassium-rich foods can also contribute to potassium loss.