Table of Contents
Potassium Cures
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"Potassium is important in neuron (brain and nerve) function, and in influencing osmotic balance between cells and the interstitial fluid. It is also the major cation in animal cells.
Potassium may be detected by taste because it triggers three of the five types of tastebuds, according to concentration. Dilute solutions of potassium ion taste sweet (allowing moderate concentrations in milk and juices), while higher concentrations become increasingly bitter/alkaline, and finally also salty to the taste. The combined bitterness and saltiness of high potassium content solutions makes high-dose potassium supplementation by liquid drinks a palatability challenge.
Potassium is also important in allowing muscle contraction and the sending of all nerve impulses in animals through action potentials." (Wikipedia)
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
CHEMOTHERAPY AND DEPLETED POTASSIUM
[YEA] 01/17/2007: Kathy from Stratton, CO writes: "Why I take a potassium supplement: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2006. Because of the chemotherapy and lack of appetite my potassium dropped to a critical level of 2.7. As I got stronger and finished with the treatments my level has gone up to a 4.0. I also have high blood pressure, had to change this medication."
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10/18/2009: Mortie from Pahrump, Nv writes: "For your minimum daily requirement of potassium take one level teaspoon of CREAM of TARTER - ABOUT 5 GRAMS as compared to 99 milligrams in a tablet. You will have to mix it in your favorite soda to cut the very tart taste. You would have to take 50.5 tablets to obtain the same amount of potassium."
EC: Has anyone used cream of tartar medicinally? It's an old time remedy and we're discovering interesting information while researching it right now. Only side effect noted is gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea) if too much consumed in one day.
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1 YEA
[YEA] Anonymous writes: "Eating a banana every day may help to avoid eye dryness -- the main cause of irritation, redness and itch. Bananas are rich in potassium, which plays a role in salt balance and the release of fluid in your cells."
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1 YEA
[YEA] Janet from Detriot, MI writes: "Here is a home remedy for fatigue.
Cut an unpeeled potato in slices in the evening and leave the pieces in water overnight. The juice, drunk in the morning, is rich in potassium. I read in a book that potassium deficiencies are common in people with fatigue."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/06/2008: Stoney from Wallaceburg, Ontario Canada writes: "Hi Everyone, I've had the pleasure of suffering with gout for over 50 years. When I used to play rugby, after every game, both of my big toes felt like they were on fire. As you all have, I tried every remedy I could, trying to stay away from Allopurinol as much as possible. Finally, I came across a magic bullet - potassium supplements. I tend to be a bit of a carnivore so my diet lacks the proper levels of potassium. I was reading an article about arthritis (another legacy of 30 years of rugby) and they mentioned that low potassium levels contributed to the problem and in passing mentioned that potassium also appeared to dissolve Uric crystals. The next time I had an attack, I started taking potassium supplements and IT WORKED. Within a day, the pain was reduced to a dull roar and within 2 it was gone completely.What a relief! I can't recommend this approach enough. Good Luck. Stoney"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/13/2009: Abby from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA writes: "Several years ago I started low carbing. I felt very sick at first with the huge water loss so I started taking potassium supplements and it fixed the problem. It also helped with lupus symptoms. Since then, I've been taking 6 99mg tabs - 2 tabs 3 times a day. On low carb, I eat virtually no fruits but many vegs. but when I lower the amount of potassium I don't feel as good and I get low back pain. Is this a dangerous amount of potassium? I have had blood tests on this amount and they've been normal. Also, I just started to add EVCO and ACV to my diet. Will these help me to get off the potassium supplements? If so, how should I taper the pills? Thanks for any advice."
04/13/2009: PR from Houston, Texas replies: "Dear Abby,
I have also been taking 5 tablets of potassium almost everyday. Like you I am one of those who need a lot of potassium. I have been doing this for 5 years now and am fine. Like you I have often worried about it but can't live without this amount. I have been told it is because of low stomach acid the mineral are not getting into the system like they should. I don't know if this is right but there is a reason. I am fighting fibromyalgia and in a lot of pain all the time so think the minerals are being use up in this way. But don't know for sure. Read up on Nano bacteria and mycoplasmas and fluoride posioning. I am working on all these levels. I can tell you addressing these will help but lots of patience is required. Earth Clinic is a good source of information that can help."
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1 YEA
[YEA] Deirdre from Los Angeles writes: "I take potassium supplements every so often because I do so much martial arts training and my muscles are often severely fatigued. I find I am less tired the day after an intense workout when I take a potassium supplement along with a Calcium/Magnesium/Phosphorous liquid combo. I also take potassium when I am sick as it dries up excess mucous in the body. I have low blood pressure to begin with so I have to be careful not to overdo the potassium supplementation! I can tell it lowers my blood pressure somewhat.."
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MUSCLE SHAKES, SEIZURES AND CRAMPS
[YEA] 04/28/2008: Tracy from Slc, USA writes: "Potassium supplements stop the shakes and seizures in arms and upper body and charlie horse in the legs. I had a stomache staple at 16. 27 years ago. one side effect is the crawlies and the shakes then seizures the potassium helps stop them when they start as soon as I take them. but I take 99mg about 5-7 tablets depending on when it starts or I try to take twice a day sometimes I have to tke 4-7 times a day to help if i had any caffiene. which i try not to have. there is risks but to stop the this it is worth it.good side effects no high blood pressure no depression.the chemical in brain which controls this is potassium based. bad side effects if to much straight thru you like interstinal flu.so watch how much you take. "
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 10/06/2009: Rascal from Livermore, Ca writes: "I've just been diagnosed with allergies to several types of potassium......bicarbonate, carbonate, casenate and sorbate. Has anyone had experience with this or know why this would be? It seems to be in everything."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/24/2007: Brenda from Lodgepole, Nebraska writes: "I would caution readers that potassium effects the heart. Too much potassium can cause the heart to stop or beat to fast. Also, potassium and salt are a delicate balanced system that is used to keep the body's cellular pressures balanced. Not enough potassium may cause water retention due to the unbalanced increase of sodium in the body.
If one is going to take an OTC potassium supplement, make sure never to go over the recommend allowance. However, the best place to get potassium is from one food sources which provide other nutrients that work with each other to the bodies benefit. Also, some high blood pressure medications are potassium sensitive.
As for high blood pressure...that is the pressure on the arterial walls. The arteries have lost their elasticity and the pressure can cause the arteries to pop, especially the delicate small sections in the brain. Most high blood pressure medication deplete potassium. Those finding they are in the hypertension group should read, read, read and not believe product propaganda of a product. Check out peer reviewed documents on subject matter.
Dehydration will occur even if one does not take potassium. Dehydration is a loss of water and electrolytes, the + (positive) and - (negative) balance of the cells. Potassium and sodium keep the pressure of the cellular walls balanced.
I have never run across anything documented that connects potassium and mucus together. Can you provide references to this statement?"
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08/03/2006: Ted from bangkok, Thailand writes: "Be easy on potassium, people do get side effects if taken too much and may have difficulty of breathing. If taken too much potassium, a simple antidote is Salt. How to know if you take too much potassium? Too much sweating, uncomfortableness, irregular breathing, sometimes diarrhea. On overdose of potassium, immediately take 1 -2 teaspoon of sea salt in a half glass of water, the effect will be reduced within minutes. I know, I did it to myself as part of the experiment and almost killed myself in the process! Had to do it you know, so I will know what to do when it DOES happen, I will be prepared!"
08/24/2009: Pamm from Birmingham, Al replies: "Ted, Where Are You? Haven't seen you posting on Earth Remedies in awhile, just curious. My Question Is You say take Sea Salt if you take in too much Potassium? Sea Salt has Potassium In It, At Least The ones that are Iodized Do, Please confirm this because its confusing. I have Addison's Disease & need to know what to take if potassium is high. And what would be a sign on blood pressure that you have taking in too much? When I take in Sea Salt, my fingers swell up right away, is this because of low Potassium? Is there Sea Salt out there that does not contain Potassium? Because the one I have does list Potassium as one of the ingredients. Thank you"
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Potassium Fact Sheet
Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate fluids and mineral balance and is needed for muscle contractions and transmission of nerve impulses. It also helps regulate blood pressure; an important role considering one in five Americans is living with hypertension.
What are the Effects of Potassium Deficiency?
Potassium deficiency can result in high blood pressure, stroke, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, depression and glucose intolerance, as well as increased risk of kidney stones, and increased bone turnover.
Potassium plays such an important role in blood pressure regulation and stroke prevention that the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the health claim "diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke," for foods that are naturally low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, and provide at least 350 mg of potassium per serving.
How Much Potassium is Needed?
Until recently no official recommendation for potassium intake existed, although many health professionals recommended 2 grams a day. But in February of 2004, after an extensive review of scientific literature, the Institute of Medicine set the Adequate Intake of potassium for adults at 4.7 grams a day - more than double previous estimates. However, more than 90% of American children and adults are not meeting these recommendations.
What are the Effects of Potassium Deficiency?
Potassium deficiency can result in high blood pressure, stroke, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, depression and glucose intolerance, as well as increased risk of kidney stones, and increased bone turnover(3).
Sources of Potassium (5-7)
Medium baked potato (with skin) 610 mg
8 oz yogurt 490 mg
8 oz yogurt smoothie 424 - 320 mg
1/2 cup pasta sauce 369 mg
8 oz milk 366 mg
6 inch banana 362 mg
1 oz almonds 206 mg
2-3/8" orange 174 mg
1/2 cup cottage cheese 108 mg
Comments...
Many things can affect the levels of potassium in the body. These include - kidney disorders, diarrhea, the overuse of laxatives, cigarette smoking and caffeine.
Warnings:
Patients with renal dysfunction taking potassium supplements or products that contains high amounts of potassium like Noni Juice may be at risk for the development of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is an abnormally high concentration of potassium that can lead to weakness, heart arrhythmia or respiratory arrest.
Info on Potassium from the following website page: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10086,00.html
"Potassium may help to reduce high blood pressure. Scientists have long known that potassium helps maintain blood pressure. According to the latest studies, people who regularly consume high-potassium foods, such as bananas, avocados, and yogurt, have lower blood pressure than those who don't. For example, in a recent review of 33 studies that examined the effect of potassium on blood pressure, researchers discovered that participants who started out with normal blood pressure and then added 2,340 mg of potassium daily (from foods, supplements, or both) were able to lower their risk of developing high blood pressure by 25%. The reductions were ultimately greatest for people who already had high blood pressure.
A potassium-rich diet may even enable people with high blood pressure to slash their daily dose of prescription medication. In one study of 54 adults with high blood pressure, the majority (81%) of those who were placed on a high-potassium diet--they ate three to six servings of potassium-rich foods daily--were able to safely and dramatically reduce their dosage of high blood pressure medications within 12 months. In contrast, only 29% of those who continued with their normal diets were able to do so.
Most adults easily get an adequate and safe amount of potassium--about 5.6 g--from foods every day. In fact, there is no RDA for potassium. By law, over-the-counter supplements cannot contain more than 99 mg of potassium per pill, a ruling that applies to multivitamin and mineral preparations as well. Higher doses are available only by prescription and are necessary only in very special situations, such as the use of diuretics that promote potassium loss.
If You Get Too Little
A seriously low level of potassium--a condition called hypokalemia--is an uncommon event but can occur in people who lose large amounts of fluid from severe diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting. Hypokalemia occurs most frequently among people who take diuretics--medications that promote urination and thus lessen the volume of fluid in the body. Although these drugs often help in regulating blood pressure, they also promote the excretion of potassium through the urine, posing the risk for very low potassium levels and related muscle cramps and fatigue.
Some rare endocrine disorders (Liddle's syndrome, Bartter's syndrome, Fanconi's syndrome) are also associated with hypokalemia. In the rare case of a severe potassium deficiency, muscle weakness, muscle twitching, paralysis, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.
It's important to remember that in virtually all cases of short-term diarrhea, potassium imbalances are slight and temporary. The body corrects itself without the need for any additional supplementation. It's only when diarrhea is prolonged, or accompanied by dehydration, that problems with low potassium can cause real complications that may require professionally administered intravenous fluids (possibly including potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes). Such treatment typically corrects the imbalance in a few hours.
If You Get Too Much
Most people can safely absorb up to 18 g of potassium a day. In fact, potassium toxicity--a condition called hyperkalemia--is very unlikely to occur unless you take potassium supplements inappropriately or your kidneys don't function properly. That's because the kidneys carefully monitor the balance of potassium in the body and excrete any excess.
However, if your kidneys are malfunctioning for some reason and can't properly process and eliminate potassium as a result, you may develop toxic levels of potassium in your bloodstream by taking supplements. Signs of too much potassium in your body include muscle fatigue and an irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia).
General Dosage Information
For high blood pressure: Consume potassium-rich foods daily. Because of the risk of toxicity, however, don't take potassium in supplement form without professional supervision.
Guidelines for Use
To reduce the risk of stomach upset and nausea with potassium supplements that your doctor has prescribed, always take them with food.
General Interaction
Definitely avoid potassium supplements if you take drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, or an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure or angina. Always consult a doctor under such circumstances, because combining any of these drugs with potassium can lead to hyperkalemia.
Because of the risk of various complications, consult your doctor before combining a digitalis drug (cardiac glycoside) with supplemental potassium.
Corticosteroids, loop diuretics (such as bumetanide and furosemide), and thiazide diuretics (including hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide) all can lower the level of potassium in the body. Potassium supplementation may be required but should always be undertaken with medical supervision.
Potassium - Drug Interactions
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_interact/1,1661,10086,00.html
Acebutolol Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Amiloride Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Atenolol
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Atenolol/Chlorthalidone
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Benazepril Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Betaxolol Oral
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Bisoprolol Fumarate
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Bisoprolol Fumarate/Hydrochlorothiazide
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Captopril
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Carteolol Hydrochloride Oral
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Carvedilol
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Chlorothiazide
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Chlorthalidone
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Digitoxin
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Digoxin
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril Maleate
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril Maleate/Diltiazem Malate
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril Maleate/Felodipine
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Fosinopril Sodium
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Indapamide
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Labetalol Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Levobunolol
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Lisinopril
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Metolazone
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Metoprolol
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Moexipril Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Moexipril Hydrochloride/Hydrochlorothiazide
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Nadolol
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Penbutolol Sulfate
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Pindolol
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Propranolol Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Propranolol/Hydrochlorothiazide
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Quinapril Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Ramipril
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Sotalol Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Spironolactone
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Spironolactone/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Timolol Maleate Oral
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Trandolapril
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Trandolapril/Verapamil Hydrochloride
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Triamterene
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide
Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Research all published books on Potassium
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