This deficiency—known as apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome—can either be congenital or caused by consumption of glycyrrhizin, which is contained in extract of licorice, sometimes found in herbal supplements, candies, and chewing tobacco. Rare hereditary defects of renal salt transporters, such as Bartter syndrome or Gitelman syndrome, can cause hypokalemia, in a manner similar to that of diuretics. As opposed to disease states of primary excesses of aldosterone, blood pressure is either normal or low in Bartters or Gitelmans. Distribution away from extracellular fluid
In addition to alkalosis, other factors can cause transient shifting of potassium into cells, presumably by stimulation of the Na+/K+ pump. These hormones and medications include insulin, epinephrine, and other beta agonists (e.g. salbutamol or salmeterol), and xanthines (e.g. theophylline). Stimulants (amphetamines, methylphenidate, cocaine) can also cause hypokalemia by stimulating beta-2 receptors. Rare hereditary defects of muscular ion channels and transporters that cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis can precipitate occasional attacks of severe hypokalemia and muscle weakness. These defects cause a heightened sensitivity to the normal changes in potassium produced by catecholamines and/or insulin and/or thyroid hormone, which lead to movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into the muscle cells. Other
A handful of published reports describe individuals with severe hypokalemia related to chronic extreme consumption (4–10 L/day) of colas. The hypokalemia is thought to be from the combination of the diuretic effect of caffeine and copious fluid intake, although it may also be related to diarrhea caused by heavy fructose ingestion.
See also
Bartter syndrome
Gitelman syndrome
Hypokalemic acidosis
Potassium deficiency (plant disorder)
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

References
Further reading
Firth, J (2010). "Disorders of potassium homeostasis". In David A. Warrell; Timothy M. Cox; John D. Firth; Graham S. Ogg (eds.). Oxford Textbook of Medicine. Vol. 1 (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 3831–3845. doi:10.1093/med/9780199204854.003.210202_update_001. ISBN 978-0199204854. Greenlee, M; Wingo, CS; McDonough, AA; Youn, JH; Kone, BC (May 5, 2009). "Narrative review: evolving concepts in potassium homeostasis and hypokalemia" (PDF). Annals of Internal Medicine. 150 (9): 619–25. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-150-9-200905050-00008. PMC 4944758. PMID 19414841. NIHMSID: NIHMS800438. External links
Content of Selected Foods per Common Measure, sorted by nutrient content (Potassium)
List of foods rich in potassium (U. Mass. Med.) National Organization for Rare Disorders: Hypokalemia