Well, I woke up today with my symptoms much worse. I had a doctor appointment at 2, and she drew more blood for more tests & scheduled a brain MRI on Monday. I already had bone scan and CT scan scheduled on Monday, so what’s one more, right?
We are not sure if all these random symptoms are due to low potassium or not. Many of them fit the bill, but they want to make sure we are not missing anything. In the meantime, I am doing my best to make sure I’m ingesting as much potassium containing foods as possible, and supplementing with magnesium as it helps with absorption of potassium.
Potassium is:
is a dietary mineral necessary for balancing the pH of your body and for keeping fluids in balance as well, so it’s important for normal blood pressure regulation (it works in opposition to sodium). Potassium is also needed for normal muscle growth, and for nervous system and brain function. It’s found in many different foods, especially fruits and vegetables, so you may be getting plenty of potassium in your diet right now. If not, here’s a list of foods that contain potassium.
{from About.com}
It has surprised me that in my reading I have found that many people are low in potassium but do not even know it. Both men & women need 4,700 milligrams a day.
Some of the symptoms of low potassium include:
Fatigue
Muscle Twitching
Tingling/Numbness
Muscle Aches
Nausea
Feeling Chilled
Headache
Constipation
Muscle Weakness
Foods high in potassium:
- Raisins
- Prunes
- Apricots
- Dates
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Citrus fruits
- Beets
- Greens
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Soy and soy foods
- Many veggie burgers
- Peas
- Beans
- Turkey
- Beef
- Salmon
- Cod
- Hemp Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Coconut Water
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Here is a potassium-filled recipe from Bon Appetit that I’m planning on making this weekend, but instead of straining the pulp, I’m going to make a smoothie!
Cantaloupe Basil Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 15 cups chopped cantaloupe (about two 3 1/2-pound melons)
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
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Special equipment
Cheesecloth
Preparation
-
Working in batches, purée cantaloupe in a blender until smooth.
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Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl; line sieve with cheesecloth. Strain purée into bowl; gather cheesecloth into a bundle and squeeze any remaining juice into bowl. Repeat process with fresh cheesecloth, straining into a large pitcher (you should have about 5 cups juice).
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Add lemon juice, basil, and 2 cups cold water to pitcher. Let steep at room temperature for 1–2 hours. Fill glasses with ice. Divide agua fresca among glasses.
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I will let you know when I get scan results. Love to you all!
Janice
April 25, 2013 at 9:29 amNeed to list problems with Potassium. Many people like myself are on dialysis and many foods will kill me. All these food are dangerous, and you state that it is hard to eat too much potassium, but it is really easy to eat to much if you are sick.
Cindy
March 30, 2013 at 9:07 pmI used to experience frequent muscle cramping in my feet and lower legs. A daily magnesium suppliment took care of the problem, which has only returned once when I ran out of magnesium. Just something you might want to look into.
I hope everything turns out to be OK for you and that you’ll be feeling better soon.
Anonymous
March 31, 2013 at 1:44 amI am a faithful reader of your blog and promise to pray for you to have ever increasing health.
Bless your heart,
Beth
Patty Magyar
March 30, 2013 at 5:01 pmThoughts and prayers…you work so hard to stay healthy!
Take care!
loveolympiajune
March 30, 2013 at 12:15 amPraying for you Amy and for a blessed weekend!!
~Stephanie
sandra
March 29, 2013 at 11:50 pmI am praying that all your tests will comeback normal and your problem will be low potassium. Happy Easter to you and family. Hugs and blessings Sandra