There is much discussion about magnesium here. What is anyone's take on how much potassium one should try to consume? I've read 3500 mg up to 4700 mg. per day from different foods. That seems like a lot. But I've read most people don't consume enough of potassium. Also I've read too much is bad for the heart . It would be nice if I had a Dr who would test for these things but I don't. Seems Drs in the UK are more apt to do nutrient tests than here in the USA. Any info is appreciated. I have upped my intake somewhat and seem to feel a little better. But don't want to do too much.
I see some places over there having problems with the vaccines getting out. So is the USA. One problem here is not enough people to give the shots or some places not enough of the vaccines and they run out. Some places have too much. Drs are saying not to wait longer in between doses, to give them as tested. 21-28 days apart. They don't know if they will be effective waiting up to 3 months between doses as they were not tested that way. It's a mess. 🙄 You all take care.
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belindalore
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Yes, around 4,000 mg a day does seem like a lot but don't forget we get most of it from food. Making things more complex, if you get too much of it, it can lead to a life-threatening arrhythmia!
For all of us, it's a pretty important subject. However, for those who have sodium as their main trigger as I do, it's even more important since potassium to some degree counteracts the effects of sodium plus it's helpful in dietary usage as potassium is a salt like sodium is and tastes salty, it can substitute for salt and give us the dietary satisfaction that table salt previously did.
Regarding doctors in the US not ordering as complete of testing as you think they should: direct them to do so or find new doctors! Few US doctors are unwilling to take insurance company money.
Thanks for info. Depends on what type of insurance you have if Drs are willing to test. I have an HMO, what I can afford, and most won't cover all the testing. 😒
BTW belindalore, where in the US are you? Are you a Kaiser member? If so and you want more complete services then your primary care physician is giving you, you just have to push them harder, they will cave! If they don't, request a new primary and they will fall into line.
What is anyone's take on how much potassium one should try to consume?
Because of my Beta blockers and blood pressure medication potassium supplements are not recommended.
My Dr. said to notify her if potassium in any of my supplements exceeds 1 mg but not to worry if its only in mcg. None that I take have added potassium.
She doesnt regard potassium from food as a problem as it is has a slow release compared to direct potassium supplements
I suppose the answer depends upon whether you trust the health authorities and the science they use to guide them to advise what is a healthy and safe intake of minerals and vitamins.
Potassium, like magnesium, is a naturally occurring element that is so very widely and commonly available in foodstuffs that to pay good money for it seems unlikely to be necessary, but, of course, plenty do and claim to feel useful health benefits.
Unlike magnesium, however, potassium is not excreted so quickly and safely by the body and can unknowingly be taken to excess and become toxic. I would think that your doctor's advice is the best of all.
The considerable number of food supplement businesses that have sprung up since the internet gave them such a wonderful promotional platform is testament to something. Those companies are capitalising on people's desire to self-diagnose and medicate but few do any scientific or medical research and development.
For business owners with little conscience, the internet can be a money-making machine par excellence, making it easier than ever before to find gullible as well, very sadly, as vulnerable folk who can become easy prey.
If I got Drs advice I wouldn't have to ask. Read my post to Hilo Hairy. I think you in the UK get more support from more of your Drs. Unless you can afford really good insurance here, you won't get much testing. With this pandemic it's even worse. 😞 Stay safe and well.
It’s sometimes difficult to keep up with the threads so I apologise if I wasn’t aware of what went before.
In general, it’s my belief that our diet provides sufficient of the vitamins and minerals that a healthy body needs. If we have a deficiency, then that is likely to be a medical issue that needs careful assessment and trained medical advice.
So far as I can tell, potassium supplementation is needed only to treat certain relatively unusual medical conditions and can be dangerous if taken in excess.
I would warn against unless under Doctors’ supervision & for good reason. Balancing Electrolytes is really important - get them out of whack & you can do harm to other organs, especially kidneys.
Yes I know. Supervision is the key. Read my above posts to see what I mean. I'm afraid healthcare will suffer more here in the USA under the new administration. I hope not...... Take care.
Getting adequate potassium is one thing I’m not concerned about. You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
I understand you’re not planning to take supplements Belinda ... very sensible. The following is just a tale of caution to anyone who is.
A couple of years ago I ended up in a&e after a blood test (and then a follow-up blood test) showed that my potassium levels were getting dangerously high. This was due to a rare side effect caused by a change to my medication. GP was very alarmed and so was I, especially as my heart was misbehaving so much I was shaking from head to foot.
According to the NHS, “Older people may be more at risk of harm from potassium because their kidneys may be less able to remove potassium from the blood. Older people should not take potassium supplements unless advised to by a doctor.”
I was recently contacted by my GP, who told me that a recent blood test had shown I had too much potassium, and prescribed sodium bicarbonate tablets to reduce the level. This is reminder that taking additional potassium may be a bad idea. Best to consult your GP first.
I'm not taking potassium supplements. Just what's in my food. But can you still get too much in food. I don't get the testing that many of you get. Drs here just hand out the pills and send you on your way. Very discouraging and disheartening to feel you aren't worth their time or effort. I tell people healthcare in the USA has been on a downslide for many people for a long time. Thanks to insurance companies dictating what care you can get. And the Drs won't and don't fight for you against the insurance companies. Some do but not enough. I know friends whose Drs can't wait to retire because they are so tired of trying to deal with the insurance companies. Drs aren't allowed to doctor anymore. Why people like me come to this forum. 😔
My understanding is that you’re less likely to get an overload from food because it metabolises more easily - but it seems it’s possible, especially if you have kidney disease 💐
Thanks Hilly22. I should have been keeping a diary to see how much potassium I'm eating. I started with breakfast this morning. I think by the time I end the day I probably will have plenty of potassium. Always hear about the potassium in potatoes and bananas, but never gave enough thought to other foods. I should be more aware. 😒 Hope you are staying well and safe. Things are going to Hades here in the USA. Scary times.
Thank you Hilly. It's depressing enough sometimes being sick. Then you see your country falling apart. They are having a hard time getting the vaccinations on track. It just feels like the bottom is about to fall out from under you any minute. We are now even more, the Divided States of America. And it's not the fault of our citizens. It's our politicians who have continuously let us down. Both parties. 😢 Thank you for your kindness.
Dear Belinda, poor you, I understand how you must be feeling. My husband has close family in Connecticut and Maryland and we’ve been speaking to them a lot over the last few days. Like you they are very upset for the country they’ve always felt so proud of. But it’ll pass, as everything always does. Can’t have an up without a down. Just sit tight and stay safe. I’m thinking of you xx
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