How to keep postassium up?

[Barb1965]

I'm on day 2 of induction. I take hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) for moderate high blood pressure. I've had problems keeping my postassium up with this medication since it causes your body to excrete it. I took prescription supplements for awhile, but my doc doesn't like to give them long term, prefers that its managed through diet.

Problem is I think I'm low now, muscle cramps and weakness, and not sure how to bring it back up. I've been eating my veggies, even added 8 oz of low sodium v-8 juice yesterday trying to get a quick lift (which put me 9 carbs over for the day). But still my Fitday says I'm only getting around 2700 mgs a day when the RDA is 4700.

Anybody have any suggestions for getting it up without topping my carb limit for the day?

[chadcs]

Re: How to keep postassium up?

Atkins mentioned using the salt supplement in a few of his books. Many of them contain potassium. Since you are taking meds that affect potassium this may not be wise.

You will lose a lot of potassium with HCTZ. You may want to speak with your physician as there are alternative medications for blood pressure that spare potassium. Your physician can also prescribe potassium supplements after checking your levels.

[Georgiana]

Re: How to keep postassium up?

I'm on day 2 of induction. I take hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) for moderate high blood pressure. I've had problems keeping my postassium up with this medication since it causes your body to excrete it. I took prescription supplements for awhile, but my doc doesn't like to give them long term, prefers that its managed through diet.

Does your doctor know you are doing Atkins? I am asking because Atkins is a natural diuretic, so if you are taking a diuretic on top of the diet, it will make mineral deficiencies worse than taking the diuretic alone. Maybe he could prescribe a diuretic only for the time you are on the Induction Phase? Then, when you move to OWL and add more veggies and nuts, it will be easier to get more potassium from foods.

Also talk to your doctor about taking L-taurine instead of hydrochlorothiazide. I don't know much about hydrochlorothiazide, but Dr. Atkins said L-taurine "has no ill effects on kidney function", unlike many other diuretics. He also wrote (Chapter 20, p. 26 that magnesium, hawthorne, CoQ10, carnitine and garlic may help control blood pressure.

Problem is I think I'm low now, muscle cramps and weakness, and not sure how to bring it back up. I've been eating my veggies, even added 8 oz of low sodium v-8 juice yesterday trying to get a quick lift (which put me 9 carbs over for the day). But still my Fitday says I'm only getting around 2700 mgs a day when the RDA is 4700.

Anybody have any suggestions for getting it up without topping my carb limit for the day?

Potassium is only one the things that might be missing. You might be also missing magnesium, calcium, chromium, etc., despite the numbers in FitDay (mainly because of the diuretic). For potassium, what you could do is eat foods like fish, veal, chard, crimini mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, etc. and also use a potassium-enriched salt.

There's more info about potassium-rich foods here: WHFoods: potassium

[doin'it]

Re: How to keep postassium up?

spironolactone is the most widely used potassium sparing, it works for some...worth discussing with MD. don't mess around if you think you're K+ is low, see your PCP soon, hypokalemia may cause arryhmias (abnormal heart rhythms).

i'm sure you're aware, but be sure to be conscientious of your salt intake. water follows salt = water retention = increase in fuid volume in circulatory system = high blood pressure. same reasons MD ordered diuretic for your case. for most healthy folks, salt is okay, but i'm assuming you have problems with fluid retention since that's the course of treatment he chose. better make an appt. hope you feel better!

[neutronnorman]

Re: How to keep postassium up?

A word of warning. Do not use a salt substitute unless you discuss it with your PCP. If your kidneys do not function correctly, a salt substitute can be dangerous. Also, I would recommend monitoring your BP frequently through out the day. Keep a diary or log then discuss the measurements with your physician. The Atkins diet can lower your BP quite significantly.

[msanjelpie]

Re: How to keep postassium up?

You need to find a doctor that is pro-Atkins that can work out the ins and outs of your meds with you for the best result. Diuretics, blood pressure, potassium, edema, weight loss, ketosis, it all works together in synergy and if something isn't just right things can get wacky... Low salt is something to watch for, heart palpitations are scary, getting everything working right is very important. The most important thing though is losing the weight. That will make it so much easier on your heart...