Potassium

No mineral can be deemed more crucial for survival than potassium. Without it, death rapidly results from sudden cardiac arrest. Potassium is the heart’s nerve firing agent, initiating impulses to stimulate contraction of the heart muscle fibers. therefore, the heart is dependent upon this mineral in order to pump in its unending fashion. Moreover, potassium helps control the function of every nerve in the body. Thus, a deficiency of this mineral would have a negative impact upon the function of every organ, in fact, every cell in the body.

Fresh tree ripened fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium, but the top sources on a per weight basis are hot peppers, dill weed, tarragon, paprika, and turmeric. Nuts, seeds, and legumes are also rich sources.

Potassium deficiency is a proven contributing cause of a number of illnesses, including:

arthritis, kidney stones, atrial fibrillation celiac disease, bundle branch block, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, ulcerative colitis, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, atherosclerosis, diabetes, stroke

Individuals who are taking high blood pressure medications are most vulnerable to developing potassium deficiency, since these agents cause the spillage of large quantities of potassium into the urine. Physicians often attempt to minimize this by prescribing potassium sparing diuretics. However, the most commonly prescribed diuretics aggressively deplete tissue stores of potassium, causing a drug induced systemic potassium deficiency. The tiazide diuretics, a category which includes Diazide and chlorothiazide, cause the loss of untold millions of molecules of potassium for every pill taken. this is one reason that diuretic usage is associated with sudden death syndrome. The fact is certain studies, including the MRFIT trial reported in the journal Science (October 1982), warn of the dangers of long term diuretic usage. Such moderately high blood pressure live significantly longer than hypertensive patients who take medications.

Which of these apply to you?

1. acne

2. arthritis and/or swollen joints

3. constipation

4. impaired intellect

5. depression

6. memory loss

7. edema (swelling) of the extremities

8. agitation and/or irritability

9. low blood pressure

10. irregular heartbeat

11. rapid heartbeat

12. frequent urination with large volumes

13. blood sugar disturbances

14. constant fatigue

15. muscular weakness

16. nervousness

17. muscle cramps

18. lightheadedness and/or episodes of fainting

19. twitching of the muscles and/or tremors

20. intolerance to exercise and/or lack of a desire to exercise

21. poor appetite

22. chronic headaches

23. sudden episodes of paralysis

24. Do you consume alcohol on a daily basis?

25. Do you consume fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds only occasionally?

26. do you take antacids or Zantac/Tagamet on a daily basis?

27. Do you use diuretics on a daily or weekly basis?

28. Do you have high blood pressure (greater than 140/90)?

29. Have you had a stroke, or do you suffer from TIAs (transient ischemic attacks)?

30. Do you have a history of angina, heart disease, and/or hardening of the arteries?

31. Do you consume aspirin, Motrin, or similar anti inflammatory drugs on a daily or weekly basis?

32. Do you take commercial laxatives daily or weekly?

33. Do you suffer from chronic or intermittent diarrhea?

34. Are you currently taking drugs containing cortisone?

35. Do you consume refined sugars on a daily basis?

36. Do you experience abdominal bloating?

37. Do you have swelling of the eyelids or swelling under the eyes?

38. Do you vomit frequently (once a week or more)?

39. Are you a diabetic?

Your Score ______

1 to 9 points Mild potassium deficiency: Enrich the diet with top food sources of potassium. In addition, take a multiple mineral tablet containing potassium.

10 to 21 points Moderate potassium deficiency: In addition to the previously mentioned advice, take a daily dosage of 1 or 2 tablets of potassium gluconate twice daily.

22 and above Severe potassium deficiency: Warning – severe potassium deficit may lead to cardiac rhythm disturbances. If the blood potassium level drops excessively low, sudden cardiac standstill may result. Before beginning supplementation you should have your blood potassium level assessed. If blood levels are normal or slightly depressed, take 2 or 3 potassium gluconate tablets twice daily. In the event of severe potassium deficiency medical intervention is necessary. Proper care might include potassium medication plus frequent monitoring of the blood potassium level. However, there is a word of caution: potassium drugs, especially tablets, may be caustic and can cause ulcerations of the intestines. to avoid this, opt for liquid forms of potassium or utilize less toxic forms such as the non prescription potassium gluconate. Eat potassium rich foods every day. Prepare large batches of the potassium rich fruit and/or vegetable salads and eat the salads daily. If you develop symptoms of heart rhythm disturbances, such as skipped beats, slow heart rate, rapid heart rate or chest pains, see your doctor immediately.