Potassium?

[Outback Jess]

Hey I am Jess,
I am just now back on Atkins. 2 yrs. ago I did deep reading and studying of Atkins and Protein Power. Between the books, I got an indepth of the whole reason why to diet with hi protein and low carbs. I have a suppliment question. I cannot find or remember exactly about taking extra potassium because of the large amount of water we are taking in.

Does anyone take extra potassium due to help with that whole feeling of low energy?
I remember taking it during the summer when i was into more exercise, and I was just worn out and potassium really helped turn it around. I just can't remember how much. I also cannot find any thing specific in DANDR.
Help?

[dotsamantha]

Re: Potassium?

Potassium, together with sodium are vital minerals for the body, for muscle contraction and the nervous system.

The kidneys excrete any excesses, but deficiencies are seldom found in people on normal diets, although most people could look at increasing their potassium intake. A deficiency may result in fatigue, cramping legs, muscle weakness, slow reflexes, acne, dry skin, mood changes, irregular heartbeat.
If you are into bodybuilding, it is also a good idea to increase your potassium intake, since potassium is needed to maintain your muscles in good form, controlling your muscle actions, and since potassium is lost in excessive sweating and urine.

It's good to take it with a multi b viatmin also.

[Outback Jess]

Re: Potassium?

Thanks DotSam...
I really appreciate it. I have taken additional potass. at the moment one pill, following the label and yet I just know that I can take more as warranted and wanted to track down if I was remembering things correctly. I will definately get into the research on this...

[2big4mysize]

Re: Potassium?

your potassium needs will vary daily based on the foods you eat and the amount you lose. Talk with your doc about how much you need cause too much potassium can stop your heart.

You can check your intake on www.fitday.com for free if you log your foods and vits there. in the reports section check the potassium you are getting. I know based on my blood work and the crasmps I was having my doc recoomended 3 OTC pills when I was inducting. When I was 1/2 way up the OWL rungs I didn't need any. you can also get potssium if you use a salt sub as most have potassium in them.

[kkat55]

Re: Potassium?

I take potassium, magnesium and calcium for leg cramps.

[boonie stomper]

Re: Potassium?

Sipping warm salty broths through a straw can make it easier on you the first few days of induction than chugging only plain water. That way you won't become dehydrated due to lost electrolytes (your body won't retain enough water). You can read some info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication

During the transition period between when your body is operating on carbs (including reserve glycogen in the liver last of all), you system can become out of balance with all the changes going on. That's when many people give in to cravings, and feel weak and flu-like, and get headaches.

You can get potassium (very low doses OTC for safety reasons) and other electrolyte supplements but I've found that chicken or beef bouillion with a pinch or 2 of epsom salts (fully dissolved) works well. Sometimes I also use aquarium salt to get all the trace minerals.