I got my energy back and got rid of all the symptoms...

[BirgitteG]

I got rid of my symptoms when I got enough potassium.

It took me some time to find out (browsing research results on pubmed) that one of the reasons hyperthyroidism can be dangerous is that high levels of thyroid hormone depletes the body of potassium. Together with the fact that many of the side effects listed w Levothyroxine are symptoms of low potassium (together w the long term effects - heart problems and osteoporosis, which are the reason for doctors not wanting us to get "too much" medicine) that makes me presume that the high level of hormone we have for some hours every day makes our potassium level less that optimal (though probably "within ranges", doctors "mantra"). Browsing site after site, I have gathered these symptoms of low potassium that I had (minus 2):

Weak muscles (giving muscle and joint pain - eg sour back, heel pain or "just" overall muscle pain)

Muscle cramps

Constipation (the muscles in the intestines do not get what they need to work properly)

Palpitations

Bloating (imbalance between sodium and potassium, I guess)

(Headaches)

Anxiety/irritability/depression

Impaired memory/concentration (brain fog)c

General feeling of fatigue

Dizziness

(High blood presure)

On top of this, potassium is involved in many other things than muscle and nervous system function. One of these is storing of glucose in liver and muscles for later use. Without enough potassium for this, some of the glucose will be stored as fat by the insulin. This way we'll sometimes be in the situation that we don't have enough stored energy to count on, and we will get "carb cravings" (that will give us some energy - and a little more stored fat).

A better level of potassium can be reached by eating a high amount of potassium rich fruits and vegetables. Tomato/beet root/prune juice and coconut water are really good sources - they do have a lot of carbs as well. (A banana only gives you one tenth of what you need a day). It is said that we need 4.7 grams a day, but we might need a little more because of the Levothyroxine?

You might have to cut down on salt if you use a lot of that (unless you're on LCHF, then you'll have to make sure you get enough). Potassium and sodium should be balanced w each other. And cut down on coffee and alcohol and anything else that depletes the body of fluid - that'll take potassium away as well.

If you're thinking about supplements - talk to your GP first! Too low and too high potassium is both dangerous.

[Hillwoman]

This is a commonly overlooked cause of fatigue, malaise, etc. I take a diuretic and have to replete K and Mg every day. People tend to think K supplements are dangerous, but if you start low and slow, observing your response, it is perfectly safe. And for those with T2 diabetes or 'pre-diabetes' it's important to avoid the main sugary food sources of K.

[BirgitteG in reply to Hillwoman]

Yes, I think it is. But I think it is remarkable that so many other symptoms, that often are referred to hypothyroidism (at least in different Facebook groups) also can come from low potassium.

I agree w you regarding supplements! (As long as you never take more than a gram at a time!)

[asidist]

hi birgitte, that’s really interesting - thanks for sharing your experience. were you able to resolve the issue by just eating more potassium rich foods? also, would you be able to share links to the most convincing scientific research you found showing the connection of low potassium to these types of symptoms? thank you in advance

[BirgitteG in reply to asidist]

Hi assidist

I chose to supplement after I realized how great I felt, getting enough potassium when I was ketogenic diet (where it is sometimes recommended that you take up to 3.5 grams a day (NOT at once!). I just had a pause in the diet, and I could keep my levels up w large glasses of beet root and tomato juice, but started gaining weight again and went back to supplements. It is recommended not to take potassium supplement, as overdosing is dangerous, but supplements only come in low doses, so you hardly take too much/take too much at a time. If you distribute it on several doses, takes a good magnesium as well and are aware of your reactions, I think you should be safe. I'm very aware to stick to the safe side, and once in a while I take less than usual - and if I get constipation and muscle cramps I know I am! But when I'm not on diet, I try to get as much as possible from potassium rich food.

Regarding links - I have to admit that I haven't kept the links to all the sites I've been through (it was a very long process) - but if there's something particular you would like to know I will try to help you.

There's something here, that might be able to lead you further (mind that the ranges mentioned is different):

ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/P...

[asidist in reply to BirgitteG]

thanks birgitte - very helpful, i will be looking into this! great that you were able to improve your situation so much with a common dietary nutrient. do you / did you get your levels tested to guide your intake or go by how well/not well you feel? although (like you), i supplement in low doses i’m always a little uncomfortable taking individual nutrients since balance between different nutrients is so important

i figured the chances might be slim re the links the nih factsheets are great, thanks

[BirgitteG in reply to asidist]

Hi asidist

I had a blood test when I took 1.5 to 2 grams a day, and that was in the low end of the range - so now I take what I need to feel ok - that is, not feeling weak, not being constipated, not having cramps etc. I've only once had the tingling in hands and feet that indicates that you have too much potassium - and that was because I took two doses too close to each other.

I'm really happy about it myself - after more than two years dragging myself around, thinking I would never be my old self again it's kind of a miracle!

[asidist in reply to BirgitteG]

makes sense, birgitte, thank you. i will be trying this for sure - and good to know about the tingling!

love to hear stories like this - so glad you are feeling better!

[Timsywhimsy]

Thanks so much! I’ve been starting to think similar things. I’ve optimized all the typical hypo stuff and have still been left with exhaustion. Was in the ER with SVT and they found low potassium (which I’m beginning to think I’ve had for some time). Upping potassium now. Been more than a week and I still feel lousy. How long until you felt better?

[BirgitteG in reply to Timsywhimsy]

How are you upping?

[Timsywhimsy]

Thanks for replying. Lots more through good and 750-1500 Potassium chloride a da as needed to get me to 4-5 thousand mg day

[BirgitteG in reply to Timsywhimsy]

You have to take a closer look at the potassium you are taking. '750 mg potassium chloride' is 52.445% potassium and 47.555% chloride. If the bottle says '750 mg potassium as potassium chloride' you get 750 mg potassium. If it says '750 mg potassium chloride' you get around 350 mg potassium!