Dr. Berg’s Healthy Keto and Intermittent Fasting Podcast

The #1 Sign You're Low in Potassium: Symptoms, Causes & How to Fix It

Apr 2, 2026

Discover common signs most people miss when potassium runs low. Short takes cover constipation, bloating and water retention, plus tingling and numbness. Hear why potassium affects pulse, palpitations and urine concentration. Learn which persistent symptom stands out as the top warning sign.

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INSIGHT

Daily Potassium Requirement Is Extremely High

The RDA for potassium is 4,700 mg per day, a much higher requirement than other nutrients.
Dr. Eric Berg says fewer than 3% of Americans meet this baseline, so deficiency is extremely common.

ADVICE

Consider Potassium For Persistent Constipation

Treat constipation as a potential potassium issue because potassium controls smooth muscle in the colon.
Severe deficiency can cause paralytic ileus after surgery, so clinicians often give IV potassium postoperatively.

INSIGHT

Low Potassium Drives Fluid Retention

Low potassium causes kidneys to retain sodium and fluid, producing bloating and water retention.
Sodium holds water while potassium releases it, so excess puffiness often signals low potassium rather than too much salt.

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Signs of potassium deficiency are often missed. Discover 7 common low potassium symptoms most people overlook, the connection between potassium and heart health, and what may be behind chronic fatigue.

0:00 Introduction: 7 signs of potassium deficiency

1:01 Low potassium symptoms explained

2:18 Water retention and potassium deficiency

4:42 Tingling and numbness

5:05 Muscle weakness causes

5:42 High pulse rate causes

7:06 Heart palpitation causes

7:30 The sodium-potassium pump explained

8:22 The #1 sign of potassium deficiency

Download Dr. Berg’s Free Daily Health Routine: https://drbrg.co/45qtO07

Around 97% of people are low in potassium! You need 4700 mg of potassium every single day.

Most people don’t realize that constipation can be a symptom of potassium deficiency. Potassium helps control the smooth muscles in the colon, so when levels are low, constipation is more likely. A potassium deficiency can also contribute to bloating and water retention.

Low potassium may affect your pulse rate and lead to heart palpitations. Potassium and magnesium are both essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Increasing your potassium intake, especially when paired with a low-carb diet, can have significant benefits for your overall health.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.