Postassium -- getting enough?

flinchyny

Anyone here actually get even close to hitting their potassium goal every day? I've never even come close. What am I doing wrong? I eat a fairly varied diet. Including foods that are high in potassium.

malibu927

Potassium isn't required on nutrition labels, so you're probably consuming more. I wouldn't worry about it unless your doctor says you are deficient.

orangegato

Why would you even track that? It is not one of the standard default nutrients tracked on MFP. Too much of it can be a bad thing so I agree w/ above^^^.

flinchyny

Oh! Good point about the labels. Thanks!

Lillymoo01

You can try and search for more reliable entries that include potassium. Fruit and veg with nutritional information sourced from the usda normally does. I meet my goals now that I have done that.

orangegato wrote: »

Why would you even track that? It is not one of the standard default nutrients tracked on MFP. Too much of it can be a bad thing so I agree w/ above^^^.

Potassium is a needed micronutrient and one that you should be eating the recommended amount of.

orangegato

And too little or too much of it can lead to muscle weakness especially cardiac muscle failure. Supplementation should only be done when indicated by a doctor.

Old_Cat_Lady

I tracked on a site called cronometer, and I definitively was not getting the 4700 a day. I ate natural so all the entries were accurate. I found that drinking a low sodium V8 helps on the days that I don't eat foods high in potassium. I started adding a bit more skim milk to my morning coffee.

Another mineral americans are deficient in is Magnesium. I am tracking that from time to time in my notes. When I eat foods high in magnesium (or take a supplement) I sleep well through the night

xvolution

orangegato wrote: »

Why would you even track that? It is not one of the standard default nutrients tracked on MFP. Too much of it can be a bad thing so I agree w/ above^^^.

There are several diseases that prevent the body from getting rid of potassium efficiently, so having too much can cause a dangerous buildup of it in the bloodstream (kidney disease, Addison's Disease and Type 1 Diabetes mainly).

Need2Exerc1se

IDK if I get the RDA most days or not. But since I have regular checkups that include blood work I know that I'm not deficient. That is good enough for me.