Doc wants me to take potassium, even though my levels are normal

[gryfonclaw]

Well, the thread title says it all. My endocrinologist whole-heartedly supports my WOE, and for that I'm glad...but he's insisting that I take K-Dur twice a day, though a recent blood test shows that my potassium levels are normal.

Is there any reason that is beyond my understanding why he would want me to do this? I have done research, but have come up dry.

I asked him why, and he said "because they may drop later" (parapharsed).

I have been doing low-carb in general for over a year, and my total carb elemination for about 4 months. I've never had a problem with my K levels before. I am not taking the K-dur (though I got it filled). I tried taking it once, just to humor him, and I felt so weird and shakey (I don't even know if that's a symptom or not) that I got scared and stopped.

I know I've pretty much answered my own question, I'm not going to take it now... but has anyone else here experienced a significant drop in potassium levels after starting or being on low carb for a while?

I mean, significantly enough were it would require medication?

Thanks. If a thread like this is already in existance, mods, feel free to delete. :)

[mike_d]

Yeah, its common during the 1st three days or so. Excess K+ is excreted by the kidneys one symptom of too much is low BP or irregular heartbeat (possible with supplements but not via food sources). Too little, dehydration, cramps, fatigue, high BP or irregular heartbeat.

http://www.somersetmedicalcenter.com/11080.cfm

Lite salt and salt substitute and many foods I eat are high in potassium so I never needed pills.

[cs_carver]

I tried taking it once, just to humor him, and I felt so weird and shakey (I don't even know if that's a symptom or not) that I got scared and stopped.

<snip>but has anyone else here experienced a significant drop in potassium levels after starting or being on low carb for a while?

Yes. I spend a lot of time outside and sweat a lot and have to work really hard to keep my potassium up. I'm able to accomplish this with supplemental pills (at 99 mg each, taken by the handful) and Lite Salt, but I do have to push it. Would be nice to have the medical-grade stuff on hand.

So--maybe you will need it.

Agreed that the dizziness could have been a symptom of electrolyte imbalance, with too much K+. I don't know how much is in the prescription pills.

Suggestion: See what happens. Leg cramps at night are the most common symptom. I get a precursor twitchiness that is my signal to bump my K+, and then sometimes I just take the pills because I know how much water is going through me. It's definitely a factor in the LC WOE because we do eat less of the vegetables that are really loaded with potassium.

(And some people will trot out charts saying how much potassium is in some of the foods we can eat, but the point is, if you're getting leg cramps, you're not keeping up with demand, and if you aren't, you probably are getting enough potassium in your diet.)

[Bat Spit]

I'm on Kdur too, and I really need it.

Generally, if you aren't really careful, LC is low in potassium.

Also, remember that k does it work intracellular. Serum potassium does not necessarily reflect cellular potassium.

Even though my bloodwork is fine, every time I cut back the K my tendonitis flares up, my bp goes up, and I start getting nosebleeds.

I take 10K per day. What does your doc have you on?

[gryfonclaw]

I'm on Kdur too, and I really need it.

Generally, if you aren't really careful, LC is low in potassium.

Also, remember that k does it work intracellular. Serum potassium does not necessarily reflect cellular potassium.

Even though my bloodwork is fine, every time I cut back the K my tendonitis flares up, my bp goes up, and I start getting nosebleeds

I take 10K per day. What does your doc have you on?

Doc has me on 10mcg (I think, either that or mg, can't tell by the label) twice a day. Interesting comment about tendonitis, I sometimes get flare-ups in my achilles tendon...I usually take a NSAID when those happen...

Maybe I should take it after all....


Thanks for everyone who responded! You've all been very helpful! :)

[Bat Spit]

I sometimes get flare-ups in my achilles tendon...I usually take a NSAID when those happen...

I have a standing script for an NSAID for when I need it, but I know that they are hard on the liver, and actually deplete potassium.

As long as your kidneys are healthy, excess potassium is excreted. Make sure to take magnesium, and allow yourself salt when you crave it, and everything should balance itself out.

I was pretty amazed to find that potassium fixed (mostly) my tendonitis. Also, when I get too low, my periods get completely out of whack, much heavier than normal for me.

[gryfonclaw]

I have a standing script for an NSAID for when I need it, but I know that they are hard on the liver, and actually deplete potassium.

As long as your kidneys are healthy, excess potassium is excreted. Make sure to take magnesium, and allow yourself salt when you crave it, and everything should balance itself out.

I was pretty amazed to find that potassium fixed (mostly) my tendonitis. Also, when I get too low, my periods get completely out of whack, much heavier than normal for me.


Are there symptoms of too low potassium? I really do feel fine, besides the occasional tendonitis flare-ups...I rarely crave salt, though I do enjoy it. What does magnesium do?

[deanmoore]

Try Apple Cider vinegar-Its loaded with potassium which also help skin cell regrow. Two tablespoons twice a day. I have been on it for about 6 mths. And now I kinda like the taste but one can delute it with water to weaken the taste. I have read that 16 oz will also knock the flue right out of you-My friend tried this last month and said it worked.