Potassium Question

[sassygoddess13]

Okay, in the wake of Terri Schiavo, does this diet pose any potassium imbalance/deficienies that I should be aware of?

Yes, I've read the book but I read like Evelyn Wood. :confused

Any input would be appreciated. You'd think I'd learn: my mom lost over 100 lbs. on Atkins but I still am not a believer. I'm on day 4. :joy

[2big4mysize]

in a word yes! Atkins is a natural diuretic plan which wil deplete our water soluble vits and minerals. We replace them with good food choiices but most folk don't and end up a little depleted and in need of supplements but it will be diferent for each person because of thier food choices they genetics and their fluid intakes so be fore you take anything you should consuklt your doc for a very simple Chem8 blood test and that wilkl tell him if you need any electrolyte replacements and how much. I need potassium during induction but only 9% of the RDA so 3 OTC tablets a day was what my doc recommended. When I got to OWL andf aded back all those vegies and fruits I didn't need the supplements any more.

Too much potassium is a heart stopper and why I warn everybody even contemplating taking them for cramps to discuss it with their doc first.

HAppy low carbing

[ttdriver]

If you're eating correctly, especially in the veggie dept, you should be getting good amounts of potassium and shouldn't need supplements unless you are sweating excessively through exercise. I live in Florida and run 8 miles 4 days a week and can have problems with leg cramps occasionally, but RARELY since I eat lots of good high potassium veggies.

Don't overdo the supplements unless absolutely necessary.

Betty

[sassygoddess13]

Can you recommend any good supplements? I don't plan on getting blood tests done either.

Would leg cramps be an indication of a potassium deficiency?

[2big4mysize]

leg cramps can be caused by anything from over stimulation to serious medical conditions. You can check your foods for free on www.fitday.com in the reports sections and see if you are deficient in your eating as many Atkins induction foods are potassuim rich.

[Elizellen]

Just in case you can't spot which report 2big suggested you use to check your vitamin and mineral requirements at www.fitday.com it is called 'Nutrition'.
When on your fitday page just click on the tab on the side of the screen called 'Reports' then click on the 'Go' link under the 'Nutrition' heading to see how much of your RDA (recommended daily allowance) of each you are getting.
If you are taking supplements you can use fitday's custom facility to enter amounts specific to the actual supplements you are taking. The figures should be written on the packet but you will probably need a magnifying glass to read them!!

[not2late]

Just to add...

Too much potassium is bad, too little potassium is bad. The balance has to be just right.

Luckily on Atkins we eat high potassium foods. A chicken breast has 133 mg of potassium, 1/2 pound of chuck steak has 839 mg.

If you eat a variety of foods and take your multivitamins, most people don't have to worry about a potassium deficiency.

It's recommended by Dr. Atkins to have basic laboratory work and a physicial examination done before you begin this diet in order to avoid problems that might crop up.

[sassygoddess13]

Just in case you can't spot which report 2big suggested you use to check your vitamin and mineral requirements at www.fitday.com

:nod

I just read like Evelyn Wood sometimes. :nono