More Potassium please...

gypsyrose64

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a nutritionist and still learning how to eat right. I'm not trying to give advice to others, but sharing what is working for me, and what I've learned so far.

a good read: http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/nutrition-101/more-potassium-please-00400000001125/

Potassium balances out the sodium in our bodies and works as a natural diuretic. It relaxes blood vessels and muscles. Sodium does the opposite. Without a balance between the two, you get cramps, rise in blood pressure among other things.

I track potassium intake because I'm on medication that depletes mine. If I intake too much sodium and don't keep the potassium levels up, my BP rises and I get edema. I take a prescribed potassium supplement as well.

With that said, YOU CAN OVERLOAD the potassium and it's dangerous to do so. It can mess up heart rhythm, so don't go taking supplements without knowing what you are doing!

Also, it's not required on nutrition labels, so you have to do your homework to really track how much you intake. Some items in the database don't list it, but clearly have it.

I'm still researching and reading, but wanted to share this little tidbit. Since I started increasing my potassium from what I eat, I've seen my weight loss more consistent, decrease in edema, less migraines and overall improvement in fatigue.

Here is an awesome list to refer to: http://potassiumrichfoods.com/potassium-rich-foods-list/

Another link: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR20/nutrlist/sr20w306.pdf

The recommended daily allowance for an adult is 4,700 mg!

arianna0511

I'm with you I take meds take deplete my potassium as well so now I have to take a supplement, I also try to eat potassium rich foods as well. So I think your totally right.

gypsyrose64

I just never thought out it much until I had to start watching my other numbers and my BP crept up on me. I see the benefit of getting more of it through diet and thought the links were helpful. Maybe one day soon we can get off the meds!

vanguardfitness

Wow didn't realize dates had that much. I eat those by the pound sometimes

gypsyrose64

If you happen to have diseased kidneys, too much can be harmful. Most people don't have issue with it, but it's always good to have blood work done when making major changes to improve health. Good to have a clear baseline for where you started out.

Individuals suffering from kidney diseases may suffer adverse health effects from consuming large quantities of dietary potassium. End stage renal failure patients undergoing therapy by renal dialysis must observe strict dietary limits on potassium intake, as the kidneys control potassium excretion, and buildup of blood concentrations of potassium (hyperkalemia) may trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmia.

Just copied that from something I read online. Like I said, I've been researching it.

1223345

Glad to see this here. Potassium, magnesium and calcium are VERY important as they all work together. It is a good idea to get familiar with the contents of nutrients in the foods we eat most.