I am a Little Dizzy

[mission to lose]

Hi,
I am just finishing week 4 and really have not had any so called side effects except some irregularity, but that has not been a big problem. But yesterday afternoon I had a severe “on the toilet” visit for about 45 minutes and right before and ever since I have felt very tired, a little dizzy on and off, and weak since yesterday. I took a nap yesterday afternoon for 2 hours, and tried a walk today and after 10 minutes I was too tired to continue, and usually I can do 20+ on the elliptical. Otherwise I don’t feel sick. So to continue, I decided to look at the nutrition summary area on fitday and I noticed certain things were quite low. They may or may not be related, but should I be concerned and take extra supplements?
For the monthly average:
Potassium 29%
Vit D 47%
Calcium 34%
Magnesium 49%

There are more that are under 100%, but these are the ones under 50%. I do take a One a Day MultiVitamin/Multimineral. I saw a Potassium pill at the store, it is 99 mg, 3% of daily value. It says not to take more than 1 per day unless directed by dr. How much potassium should we take per day? I was wondering if that was what was making me dizzy? The LACK of potassium?

[JulieB]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

Are you sure you aren't just fighting off a virus? I don't think lack of certain nutrients would affect you that suddenly.

I believe that you can get higher dose potassium supplements with a prescription, if necessary. You should add your supplements into fitday too, before looking at these numbers. I could be that with the supplements, you aren't really that low.

[mission to lose]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

Hi, Julie
No I really don't feel "sick". I was thinking maybe the lack of some of those nutrients was "slowly" catching up to me. And yes, I did enter the supplements into fit day. By the end of the day, the magnesium has risen the most, not quite sure what spiked it, I didn't watch, but the potassium is still at 37%. And again, I don't really know if it needs to be at 100%?
Maybe my body just needed to catch up a little. I started at the park district club 2 weeks ago and have spent 6 days a week doing a combination of the elliptical, bollywood classes, bellydance classes, total body conditioning classes, 50+yoga, sit and get fit (lol - yes we sit and stand and my arms hurt!!!), Zumba classes, and a few of the machines. I am really going at it! And as far as I know I have been cheat free. I think I am getting enough carbs.
The dizzy weak feeling sort of comes and goes. And again as I was saying maybe my body is saying hey, take a little break...you have not exercised hardly at all in 30 years, take it easy and rest up a little???
I am feeling a little better this evening. I really HATE feeling restricted when I want to do things!

[JulieB]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

If you feel a little light-headed when you stand up ... that can be low blood pressure (happens to me occasionally). If it keeps up, I'd see a doctor.

[pinkfusion]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

i think zucchini is high in potassium. i would try adding some of that to your veggies. i would also consider moving up one rung so you can get more of them in

[mission to lose]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I thought about the blood pressure and I took my blood pressure at home and at the drug store yesterday, they both were normal. I may add a little more veggies, but I have been ok for 4 weeks that's why I am confused. I am a lot better this morning, but still fell a tiny bit light dizzy.

[liv]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

Maybe you should see a doctor.
My dizzyness is always anemia (except for when I had vertigo). I need a lot of iron because of heavy periods.

[msanjelpie]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

It's near impossible to get a 100% on the potassium. Especially when supplements of potassium say 3%

Entering your multi vitamins into fitday along with your foods is a really good idea. I should do that...

Lack of potassium isn't the only mineral that can lead to dizziness.

Dizzy spells

What is your daily water intake?

[mission to lose]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

I still can't figure out what's going on. I am not quite as dizzy, but I am very tired. To answer the last post I drink 80+ oz of water. I slept 4 hours this afternoon, and I am still very sluggish. And if this was not a holiday, I should have been at my Bollywood dance class..There is no way I would have made it. I can hardly walk from one room to the next I am so tired. Is this norma 4 weeks into the plan?

[Whatsername]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

It might be best to check with your dr. Err on the side of the caution. Sorry I don't have any other suggestions but just wanted you to know I hope you feel better.

Jane

[msanjelpie]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

What you are experiencing is not normal for week 4 of Atkins. If it doesn't clear up I would get some blood work done just to see if something is lacking... Does your multivitamin have iron?

[mission to lose]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

Yes, my multivitamin has 100%DV iron, and fitday shows I am getting enough iron also. Is DV the same as Daily Requirement?

[liv]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

Not normal at all. Are you getting enough food - enough fat?
(And yes seeing your doctor would be the best call)

[msanjelpie]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

I think DV means daily value. Dr Atkins advises that our multi vitamins should NOT have iron in them... not sure if this would make a difference in your symptoms. Did you START the multivitamin when you started Atkins or were you on it all along?

[mission to lose]

Re: I am a Little Dizzy

I started the vitamins about week 2, and I know the book says not to take vitamins with iron, but I have 2 types, 1 with iron and 1 without and I switch off taking them every other day because I have had a history of low iron in the past, although I am ok now, but I didn't want to fall low again. That's why I switch every other day with the 2 types of vitamins.