Potassium?
Question:
Hi J, I am stressed out of my mind now. <g
I just paid my property tax bill for
the year. Gas is 85.9 here. Grrrrr. BJ-frazzled in Sk. Canada "J" <KnewZ…@example.com
wrote in message
news:3F4E366E.8C5CCC19@execulink.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Sherry wrote: Another book that I have has this to say. "Potassium…this mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body’s water balance. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids
in
maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. This function of potassium has been shown to decrease with
age,
which may account for some of the circulatory damage, lethargy, and
weakness
experienced by older people. Signs of potassium deficiency include abnormally dry skin, acne, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, diarrhea, diminished
reflex
function, edema, nevousness, insatiable thirst, fluctuations in
heartbeat,
glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholestrol levels,
insomnia,
low blood pressure, muscular fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, periodic headaches, proteinuria (protien in urine), respiratory
distress,
and salt retention. Food sources of potassium include dairy foods, fish, fruit, legumes,
meat,
poultry, vegetables, and whole grains. It is specifically found in apricots, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dates, dulse, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, torula yeast, wheat bran, and yams. Herbs that contain potassium include catnip, hops, horsetail, nettle, plantain, red clover, sage, and skullcap. Comments: Kidney disorders, diarrhea, and the use of diruretics or
laxatives
all disrupt potassium levels. Tobacco and caffeine reduce potassium absorption. Potassium is needed for hormone secretion. The secretion of stress
hormones
causes a decrease in the potassium-to-sodium ratio both inside and
outside
the cells. As a result, stress increases the body’s potassium
requirements.
Thanks Sherry, So since BJ eats lots, then she must be stressed? And it does affect kidney function and "throws proteins". She really should talk to her doctor(s) about this, because we’re not.
But thanks much for the info, Sherry, Hugs J
Response:
Hi Ruth, You are indeed invited. I saw your new "potassium" post and I am going to throw in an extra banana or two for you. You are having a rough time, aren’t you ! I had no idea. Please take care. I hope things get better for you soon. BJ-Sk. Canada "ruth tay" <ruth…@mcn.org
wrote in message
news:ruthtay-2708031742130001@ha-1o-men-p1-m13.mcn.org… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
I know I wasn’t invited but would like to have mine with fresh
blackberries,
lots of chewy hot fudge sauce , marshmellow sauce, pecans, whipped chream and a praline cookie ruth In article <vkpjvad5em1…@corp.supernews.com, "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote:
Good plan J. I have bananas and ice cream in the house already. What
else do > > you want on it. I like fruit with my sundaes. I have fresh blueberries. > > Would that work? > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "J" <KnewZ…@example.com
wrote in message
> > news:3F4C1142.E0338FF1@execulink.com… > > > Janers wrote: > > > > Well I have nothing more to add on WHAT causes the potassium loss. I
just know I have that problems a lot. I have no clue, I eat banannas,
and
green leafy veggies, should eat more of them. LOL But it happens alot with me. When I had my heart cath last fall,
they
did blood test and potassium was low. Doc says Are you feeling weak? Or light headed, NOPE, says I. Well he says you should. I have to have potassium IV to regroup. But felt no symptoms. I have had low almost every
time
going to ER for anything. So I make sure to watch and replenish
with
some type of potassium, but NEVER the pills unless a doctor tells me too. Believe me NO diarrhea here. And they never could pin point it, so
just
have to watch I guess. BJ, if you are having it, and no symptoms? Try banannas and more
leafy
greens. Banannas is the best source of potassium there is, and you
can
carry one right with ya …well hide it in your purse lol. Just kidding. How about a banana sundae? I haven’t had one in 40 years. We’ll head out to Sask and share one with BJ. how’z about? Hugs J
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sherry wrote:
Another book that I have has this to say. "Potassium…this mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body’s water balance. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. This function of potassium has been shown to decrease with age, which may account for some of the circulatory damage, lethargy, and weakness experienced by older people. Signs of potassium deficiency include abnormally dry skin, acne, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, diarrhea, diminished reflex function, edema, nevousness, insatiable thirst, fluctuations in heartbeat, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholestrol levels, insomnia, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, periodic headaches, proteinuria (protien in urine), respiratory distress, and salt retention. Food sources of potassium include dairy foods, fish, fruit, legumes, meat, poultry, vegetables, and whole grains. It is specifically found in apricots, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dates, dulse, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, torula yeast, wheat bran, and yams. Herbs that contain potassium include catnip, hops, horsetail, nettle, plantain, red clover, sage, and skullcap. Comments: Kidney disorders, diarrhea, and the use of diruretics or laxatives all disrupt potassium levels. Tobacco and caffeine reduce potassium absorption. Potassium is needed for hormone secretion. The secretion of stress hormones causes a decrease in the potassium-to-sodium ratio both inside and outside the cells. As a result, stress increases the body’s potassium requirements.
Thanks Sherry, So since BJ eats lots, then she must be stressed? And it does affect kidney function and "throws proteins". She really should talk to her doctor(s) about this, because we’re not. But thanks much for the info, Sherry, Hugs J
Response:
Thanks REP. I suspect all these up and down findings are of no great significance. I like to keep on top of things though. I don’t really trust the doctors to pick up on anything new. Now I am sure it isn’t any big deal. BJ-Sk. Canada "REP" <r…@inanna.com
wrote in message
news:bijtlb$aejtn$3@ID-180048.news.uni-berlin.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
In article <vkphhvi667f…@corp.supernews.com, "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca wrote: Hi REP, No I am not on any diuretics. You and I did have some conversation
before
about my renal panel. Sometimes my albumin and creatinine are low. They
then
go up into the low normal range, but never go up above that. This is the first time my potassium came back low. I am wondering if it might be
early
signs of kidney involvement Unlikely. Kidney patients have problems with *too much* potassium – that’s why I take my 120mg of Lasix with *no* potassium supplements and eat a low potassium diet (which includes any vegetable having to be boiled and rinsed into submission!). Low creatinine is *good*! High creatinine is a danger sign. Normal urine has no to very miniscule levels of albumen. Doesn’t sound like your kidneys are the culprit here. — "Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner." – Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather
Response:
In article <3F4D8D9E.7060…@yahoo.com
, White Horse <h…@yahoo.com wrote: BJ wrote: Thank you Rose for explaining that. It must have been so hard to see someone you love go through all of that. One thing is not clear to me though. You said the optimum level is 4, on a grade from 1-8. Our labs in Canada report normal levels as 3.5-5.0 mmol/L. Do you know how that would relate to the readings you mentioned? BJ-Sk. Canada "Rose" <ros…@flash.net wrote in message news:3F4C44C6.20509@flash.net…
Hi Rose, What a wonderful experiance you have had and it must be so comforting and warm to feel Bills’ presence again. Sending you warm hugs………….ruth – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Hi BJ, The optimum level I quoted and what you were told sound right to me. If you look at the number it’s 4 +/- .5 for the same volume. That is very little.I didn’t know what the exact volumne was just what the numbers were. I’ve found that medical people when speaking to the medical challanged have problems with all that techi stuff so they leave a lot out. I’m sure Canada is going by the same scale as we do here in the USA. In all things biological, there is always some variation. The same is true for temperature, blood pressure, and other body chemestry. A good example for me is my blood pressure. Up untill May 2003, my BP was on average 114/74. In May, I had chest pain that made me feel like I was having a heart attack and went to the hospital. It turned out fortunately that I didn’t. But what ever caused did a fine job of fooling me and the ER doc. It was only through blood work and a simple stress test that said I didn’t. Ever since, my BP is hovering around 100/60. According to some people this would be considered hypotention because it’s so low when compared to the ‘normal’ of 120/80. Yet according to the Current medical literature, hypotention is defined as a 30+ point difference in the systolic pressure from the patient’s normal reading. So for me to have hypotention, my BP should be around 84/55 or lower. You could say that I’m borderline because I am close, but it must medically meet the definition but doesn’t so my doctor can’t officially diagnose me with hypotention. As for watching hubby go through this, yea it was hell. I promised him I’ll be there and hold his hand when he died if at all possible. He was so screwed up that essentially he was about a half step from being brain dead and that’s when I asked to the docs to let him go. They were very cooperative and I appreate it to no end. I hate the attitude of life at all cost and forget the importance of the quality of life. These past three years have been hard. His aniversary is 9/3 and for once I’m not terribly upset and highly depressed. He promised me in life that if dies before me he’ll do his damnest to come back and let me know that there is life after death. I never doubted that but happy none the less that he thinks so much of that he would do that. Over the course of time since he left, he kept his word. He would come to me in dreams and take me places that he thought was really cool and they were rather strange. Bill always did have a sick sense of humor so you can imagine what kind of places we went. The last place I think was in heaven but any how, there was a whole lot of dead people (bout a 1,000 or so) having a welcoming party for the recently deceased. When you die go to one of those, it’s a blast! In all my dreams with him, he keeps telling me my time is very short and that’s why I so concerend and one reason why I’ve come to this news group. Some people think dreams are just that and it was my own wishful thinking that I had them. Not true. I don’t dream about him anymore, now he has ‘crossed over’ into my waking life. I’ve felt him touch me, tickle the hairs on the back of my neck. That got me snickering. I’ve felt him sit on the side of my bed. And the last time, I tried to reach out to him and succeeded. What I did from having listening to a really neat radio show, Coast to Coast AM at 800AM CKLW starts at 1:00 AM, about how to have an out of body experience (OBE’s) I tried that and was having pretty good success. I got my right leg out but the rest of me got stuck. I found out it was Bill who was helping with the leg thing. I told him I was stuck and see if he could pull the rest of me out. He yanked and yanked and felt myself physically move across the couch but no such luck. He then came and kneeled by my side. I tried with extreme effort to reach out to him and was succeeding in getting my hand up to his face and running my hand through his beard. I miss that so much. He held my hand and I kept trying harder and I was starting to see things even though my eyes were closed. I started to see my living room and then I saw him. At first he was just a two dimensional shadow and slowly more 3d and then colors and barely could I make out details. At this point, he kneeled by my side and starting blowing in my ear. I got such a good case of the giggles that I lost my concentration and subsequently the connection. Oh I was so mad at him but over joyed at the same time. We found way to connect and it’s just a matter of time, patients, and effort that we can renew our relationship hopefully on a regular basis. I’m sooooo happy! God bless! Rose
Response:
In article <vkphhvi667f…@corp.supernews.com
,
"BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote: Hi REP, No I am not on any diuretics. You and I did have some conversation before about my renal panel. Sometimes my albumin and creatinine are low. They then go up into the low normal range, but never go up above that. This is the first time my potassium came back low. I am wondering if it might be early signs of kidney involvement
Unlikely. Kidney patients have problems with *too much* potassium – that’s why I take my 120mg of Lasix with *no* potassium supplements and eat a low potassium diet (which includes any vegetable having to be boiled and rinsed into submission!). Low creatinine is *good*! High creatinine is a danger sign. Normal urine has no to very miniscule levels of albumen. Doesn’t sound like your kidneys are the culprit here. — "Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner." – Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather
Response:
BJ wrote:
Thank you Rose for explaining that. It must have been so hard to see someone you love go through all of that. One thing is not clear to me though. You said the optimum level is 4, on a grade from 1-8. Our labs in Canada report normal levels as 3.5-5.0 mmol/L. Do you know how that would relate to the readings you mentioned? BJ-Sk. Canada "Rose" <ros…@flash.net wrote in message news:3F4C44C6.20509@flash.net…
Hi BJ, The optimum level I quoted and what you were told sound right to me. If you look at the number it’s 4 +/- .5 for the same volume. That is very little.I didn’t know what the exact volumne was just what the numbers were. I’ve found that medical people when speaking to the medical challanged have problems with all that techi stuff so they leave a lot out. I’m sure Canada is going by the same scale as we do here in the USA. In all things biological, there is always some variation. The same is true for temperature, blood pressure, and other body chemestry. A good example for me is my blood pressure. Up untill May 2003, my BP was on average 114/74. In May, I had chest pain that made me feel like I was having a heart attack and went to the hospital. It turned out fortunately that I didn’t. But what ever caused did a fine job of fooling me and the ER doc. It was only through blood work and a simple stress test that said I didn’t. Ever since, my BP is hovering around 100/60. According to some people this would be considered hypotention because it’s so low when compared to the ‘normal’ of 120/80. Yet according to the Current medical literature, hypotention is defined as a 30+ point difference in the systolic pressure from the patient’s normal reading. So for me to have hypotention, my BP should be around 84/55 or lower. You could say that I’m borderline because I am close, but it must medically meet the definition but doesn’t so my doctor can’t officially diagnose me with hypotention. As for watching hubby go through this, yea it was hell. I promised him I’ll be there and hold his hand when he died if at all possible. He was so screwed up that essentially he was about a half step from being brain dead and that’s when I asked to the docs to let him go. They were very cooperative and I appreate it to no end. I hate the attitude of life at all cost and forget the importance of the quality of life. These past three years have been hard. His aniversary is 9/3 and for once I’m not terribly upset and highly depressed. He promised me in life that if dies before me he’ll do his damnest to come back and let me know that there is life after death. I never doubted that but happy none the less that he thinks so much of that he would do that. Over the course of time since he left, he kept his word. He would come to me in dreams and take me places that he thought was really cool and they were rather strange. Bill always did have a sick sense of humor so you can imagine what kind of places we went. The last place I think was in heaven but any how, there was a whole lot of dead people (bout a 1,000 or so) having a welcoming party for the recently deceased. When you die go to one of those, it’s a blast! In all my dreams with him, he keeps telling me my time is very short and that’s why I so concerend and one reason why I’ve come to this news group. Some people think dreams are just that and it was my own wishful thinking that I had them. Not true. I don’t dream about him anymore, now he has ‘crossed over’ into my waking life. I’ve felt him touch me, tickle the hairs on the back of my neck. That got me snickering. I’ve felt him sit on the side of my bed. And the last time, I tried to reach out to him and succeeded. What I did from having listening to a really neat radio show, Coast to Coast AM at 800AM CKLW starts at 1:00 AM, about how to have an out of body experience (OBE’s) I tried that and was having pretty good success. I got my right leg out but the rest of me got stuck. I found out it was Bill who was helping with the leg thing. I told him I was stuck and see if he could pull the rest of me out. He yanked and yanked and felt myself physically move across the couch but no such luck. He then came and kneeled by my side. I tried with extreme effort to reach out to him and was succeeding in getting my hand up to his face and running my hand through his beard. I miss that so much. He held my hand and I kept trying harder and I was starting to see things even though my eyes were closed. I started to see my living room and then I saw him. At first he was just a two dimensional shadow and slowly more 3d and then colors and barely could I make out details. At this point, he kneeled by my side and starting blowing in my ear. I got such a good case of the giggles that I lost my concentration and subsequently the connection. Oh I was so mad at him but over joyed at the same time. We found way to connect and it’s just a matter of time, patients, and effort that we can renew our relationship hopefully on a regular basis. I’m sooooo happy! God bless! Rose
Response:
Thank you Rose for explaining that. It must have been so hard to see someone you love go through all of that. One thing is not clear to me though. You said the optimum level is 4, on a grade from 1-8. Our labs in Canada report normal levels as 3.5-5.0 mmol/L. Do you know how that would relate to the readings you mentioned? BJ-Sk. Canada – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Rose" <ros…@flash.net
wrote in message news:3F4C44C6.20509@flash.net… When my late husband was going though liver hell, keeping his potassium levels level was very hard. The primary culprit in his potassium levels was fluid levels. If he retained too much, the levels would skyrocket. When he lost too much, they would plummet. His fluid retention was directly caused by his liver. That’s not to say that is the only thing that can cause fluid retention. We only knew when between do visits (usually twice a week) when his level were out of whack was when he would develop sudden flu like symptoms. To correct low potassium levels he had to take Kadur which is a giant horse pill that is absolutely hell on the stomach. Guaranteed to make you barf. Maintaining a constant level of potassium is very important. Potassium is the principle ingredient in maintaining a steady heart beat. Too much or too little will result in heart failure. In medicine, an undiluted form of potassium is known as hard potassium and is often used in surgery to stop the heart beating. The optimum level as a grade of 1-8 is 4. A two point deviation is life threatening. At any time that you get sudden flu like symptoms and you noticed your fluid retention and intake have taken a noticeable change, go immediately to the hospital and tell the ER doc you suspect that your potassium levels have changed. The can do a test there within an hour and if they are off too much, they’ll get you fixed up real quick. You can’t afford the time to wait to see your doctor at the clinic. You could have sudden heart failure. It pays to go the the hospital and be a little bit embarrassed that it was nothing than stay at home and be dead. Just my observation from dealing with late hubby’s disease. Rose BJ wrote: Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding
for
me. BJ-Sk. Canada
Response:
I know I wasn’t invited but would like to have mine with fresh blackberries, lots of chewy hot fudge sauce , marshmellow sauce, pecans, whipped chream and a praline cookie ruth – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -In article <vkpjvad5em1…@corp.supernews.com
, "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca wrote: Good plan J. I have bananas and ice cream in the house already. What else do you want on it. I like fruit with my sundaes. I have fresh blueberries. Would that work? BJ-Sk. Canada "J" <KnewZ…@example.com wrote in message news:3F4C1142.E0338FF1@execulink.com… Janers wrote: Well I have nothing more to add on WHAT causes the potassium loss. I just know I have that problems a lot. I have no clue, I eat banannas, and green leafy veggies, should eat more of them. LOL But it happens alot with me. When I had my heart cath last fall, they did blood test and potassium was low. Doc says Are you feeling weak? Or light headed, NOPE, says I. Well he says you should. I have to have potassium IV to regroup. But felt no symptoms. I have had low almost every time going to ER for anything. So I make sure to watch and replenish with some type of potassium, but NEVER the pills unless a doctor tells me too. Believe me NO diarrhea here. And they never could pin point it, so just have to watch I guess. BJ, if you are having it, and no symptoms? Try banannas and more leafy greens. Banannas is the best source of potassium there is, and you can carry one right with ya …well hide it in your purse lol. Just kidding. How about a banana sundae? I haven’t had one in 40 years. We’ll head out to Sask and share one with BJ. how’z about? Hugs J
Response:
Hi Janers, I get dizzy a lot even when my potassium level was normal. How would this "dizzy chick" ever know if she was having symptoms. Do you ever have other low readings on your kidney panel? Things do tend to run through me rather quickly. I am never bunged up. Perhaps a lot of nutrients are lost, if you know what I mean. I eat a lot of greens and fruit, including bananas. I don’t think my low potassium is a big deal. Just never had that one before. BJ-Sk. Canada "Janers" <rojak…@bright.net
wrote in message
news:GRT2b.9703$Ly2.1510254@cletus.bright.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Well I have nothing more to add on WHAT causes the potassium loss. I just know I have that problems a lot. I have no clue, I eat banannas, and
green
leafy veggies, should eat more of them. LOL But it happens alot with me. When I had my heart cath last fall, they did blood test and potassium was low. Doc says Are you feeling weak? Or light headed, NOPE, says I. Well he says you should. I have to have potassium IV to regroup. But felt no symptoms. I have had low almost every time going to ER for anything. So I make sure to watch and replenish with some type of potassium, but NEVER the pills unless a doctor tells me too. Believe me NO diarrhea here. And they never could pin point it, so just have to watch I guess. BJ, if you are having it, and no symptoms? Try banannas and more leafy greens. Banannas is the best source of potassium there is, and you can carry one right with ya …well hide it in your purse lol. Just kidding. Good luck janers
Response:
Hi BJ, you are welcome. I figured you ate well and did the balanced meals. Yes, I do understand the food transit time. I’m surviving….guess I can’t ask for much more than that or expect much morethan that <g
Thanks for
asking. Hugs, Sherry "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote in message
news:vkpho8qfodadbc@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Thanks for the juice recipe. I eat so many greens that a rabbit would
hurl.
I love the stuff. I do eat bananas and other fruits as well. My food
transit
time is very fast, if you know what I mean. <g Perhaps things go through
so > quickly that I don’t get as much value out of it as the average person > might. I am also wondering about kidneys. How are you doing? > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Sherry" <hurst…@NoSpam.invalid
wrote in message
> news:kyU2b.6726$UR4.3883@newssvr27.news.prodigy.com… > > BJ, > > According to one of my "health food books" stress, hypoglycemoa, > > diarreahea,and acute mental anxiety all cause potassium deficiency. > > Effective food sources are: dried fruits, lean poultry, fish, dairy foods,
legumes, seeds, vegetables, whole grains. Potassium Juice (12 oz glass) 3 carrots 1/2 bunch spinach1/2 bunch parsley 3 stalks celery optional 1 to 2 tsp Bragg’s Liquis Aminos Nutritional analysis per serving 69 calories, 3 gm protien, 15gm carbohydrate, 6 gm fiber, trace fats, 0 cholestrol, 100mg calciuum, 2mg iron, 52 mg magnesium, 788 mg potassium, 144 mg sodium, 1 mg zinc If you do not have a juicer, make a potassium broth in a soup pot While not as concentrated or pure it is still an excellent source of energy, minerals and electrolytes. 2 day supply 3 to 4 carrots 2 potatoes, with skin 1 onion 3 stalks of celery 1/2 bunch parsley 1/2 head cabbage 1/2 bunch broccoli simmer covered 30 min. Strain and discard solids Add 2 tsps Bragg’s liquid Aminos, or 1 tsp miso. Store in fridge
covered.
nutritional analysis per serving 100 calories, 6gm protien, 22 gm carbohydrate, 9 gm fiber, trace fats, 0 cholestrol, 141 mg calcium, 4mg iron, 60 mg magnesium, 147 mg sodium,
1mg > > zinc, 944 mg potassium. > > Hope that helps some. > > Hugs, > > Sherry > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote in message
> > news:vkngj2hppdmud0@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Everyone, > > > Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding
for me. BJ-Sk. Canada
Response:
Hi J, I doubt it is the pred. I was on about 15mgs when that blood test was taken. The week before that I was on 20mgs. I had been off it completely for quite a while until then. I would suspect kidneys I think. There have been some come and go findings on my renal panel. Sometimes the albumin or the creatinine is low. On this blood test they were low normal, but potassium came back low. REP might have some insights. She talked about my other low renal results once before. It wasn’t potassium at that time. I had another blood test on Monday. It will be interesting to see if the potassium has gone up. Thanks for all the info. You clever girl. BJ-Sk. Canada "J" <KnewZ…@example.com
wrote in message
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BJ wrote: Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding
for
me. BJ-Sk. Canada http://www.emedicine.com/aaem/topic291.htm (too long to copy here) http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gid7=71 Prednisone can cause a low potassium and this is a common side effect of
chronic
administration of the drug. Physicians prescribing it look for electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia (as low potassium is called). Sodium retention
with
resultant edema, potassium loss, and high blood pressure may occur in
patients
receiving glucocorticoids (steroids). Taking a 10 mg dose of prednisone
for a
few months is considered a prolonged dose. Dietary salt restriction is advisable and potassium supplementation may be necessary. If your potassium remains low your physician may elect to give
you a
pill to supplement your potassium loss. Of course this depends on whether
you
can regain your normal potassium levels using fruits, orange juice,
raisins,
bananas and other high potassium foods. Other causes of low potassium are kidney disease, diuretics (fluid pills), uncontrolled diabetes, chronic vomiting, laxative abuse and chronic
diarrhea.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/prednistab_ad.htm SIDE EFFECTS Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances Sodium retention Fluid retention Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients Potassium loss Hypokalemic alkalosis Hypertension Before you go blaming the Pred, perhaps look at your diet and get the doc
to
check your kidney function? If you have chronic diarrhea, eat stuff that constipaties.(balances things
out)
J
Response:
Hi REP, No I am not on any diuretics. You and I did have some conversation before about my renal panel. Sometimes my albumin and creatinine are low. They then go up into the low normal range, but never go up above that. This is the first time my potassium came back low. I am wondering if it might be early signs of kidney involvement. I can’t see it being prednisone. I was on honking big doses a few times, and this never happened. I am off it completely again now. I was only on a pulse of it when the blood test in question was done. We will see I guess. BJ-Sk. Canada "REP" <r…@inanna.com
wrote in message
news:bih9ag$9b974$2@ID-180048.news.uni-berlin.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
In article <vkngj2hppdm…@corp.supernews.com, "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca wrote: Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding
for
me. BJ-Sk. Canada Diuretic use (among other things). Lasix is supposed to be especially bad. — "Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner." – Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather
Response:
In article <vkngj2hppdm…@corp.supernews.com
,
"BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote: Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding for me. BJ-Sk. Canada
Diuretic use (among other things). Lasix is supposed to be especially bad. — "Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner." – Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather
Response:
Hi BJ, I can’t give an answer as to WHY we have low potassium , but I do know I have been told it is my blood, When I am in a flare and have to up the Pred is usually when I start to feel the affects fo the so called low potassium levels so maybe someone has something when they said it might have something to do with the Pred. I have to take Folic Acid and B-12 and the "Blood" Doc gets on me about eating more citrus fruit or even strawberries. . . there are allot of other fruits besides "Banannas" as I don’t eat many banannas. . . . so maybe it just has allot to do with "OUR BLOOD" problems. . . .now you got me wondering as I am going to have to take a trip back to the Blood Doc this week myself. . . . .good luck with finding the answer to this one. . . .I will follow the posts to see if anything good comes up for an answer or a reason. . . .sorry I couldn’t be of more help. . . .good luck. . . .~HUGS~ Aimee "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote in message
news:vkngj2hppdmud0@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding
for
me. BJ-Sk. Canada
Response:
Sherry wrote:
According to one of my "health food books" stress,
Stress eh? So I guess BJ and her doctor will have to talk that one out, perhaps that’s it and depending on the levels (ie how low). I’ve never been checked but confess I don’t eat much fruit these days, but do some of the stuff you types (and I snipped below).
hypoglycemoa, diarreahea,and acute mental anxiety all cause potassium deficiency. Effective food sources are: dried fruits, lean poultry, fish, dairy foods, legumes, seeds, vegetables, whole grains.
<snipped a bunch of great stuff= you’re quite the typer Sherry
Thanks bunches (of bananas)
Response:
Good plan J. I have bananas and ice cream in the house already. What else do you want on it. I like fruit with my sundaes. I have fresh blueberries. Would that work? BJ-Sk. Canada "J" <KnewZ…@example.com
wrote in message
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Janers wrote: Well I have nothing more to add on WHAT causes the potassium loss. I
just
know I have that problems a lot. I have no clue, I eat banannas, and
green
leafy veggies, should eat more of them. LOL But it happens alot with me. When I had my heart cath last fall, they
did
blood test and potassium was low. Doc says Are you feeling weak? Or
light
headed, NOPE, says I. Well he says you should. I have to have
potassium
IV to regroup. But felt no symptoms. I have had low almost every time going to ER for anything. So I make sure to watch and replenish with
some
type of potassium, but NEVER the pills unless a doctor tells me too. Believe me NO diarrhea here. And they never could pin point it, so just have to watch I guess. BJ, if you are having it, and no symptoms? Try banannas and more leafy greens. Banannas is the best source of potassium there is, and you can carry one right with ya …well hide it in your purse lol. Just
kidding.
How about a banana sundae? I haven’t had one in 40 years. We’ll head out to Sask and share one with BJ. how’z about? Hugs J
Response:
Thanks for the juice recipe. I eat so many greens that a rabbit would hurl. I love the stuff. I do eat bananas and other fruits as well. My food transit time is very fast, if you know what I mean. <g
Perhaps things go through so
quickly that I don’t get as much value out of it as the average person might. I am also wondering about kidneys. How are you doing? BJ-Sk. Canada "Sherry" <hurst…@NoSpam.invalid
wrote in message
news:kyU2b.6726$UR4.3883@newssvr27.news.prodigy.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
BJ, According to one of my "health food books" stress, hypoglycemoa, diarreahea,and acute mental anxiety all cause potassium deficiency. Effective food sources are: dried fruits, lean poultry, fish, dairy foods, legumes, seeds, vegetables, whole grains. Potassium Juice (12 oz glass) 3 carrots 1/2 bunch spinach1/2 bunch parsley 3 stalks celery optional 1 to 2 tsp Bragg’s Liquis Aminos Nutritional analysis per serving 69 calories, 3 gm protien, 15gm carbohydrate, 6 gm fiber, trace fats, 0 cholestrol, 100mg calciuum, 2mg iron, 52 mg magnesium, 788 mg potassium,
144
mg sodium, 1 mg zinc If you do not have a juicer, make a potassium broth in a soup pot While not as concentrated or pure it is still an excellent source of
energy, > minerals and electrolytes. > 2 day supply > 3 to 4 carrots > 2 potatoes, with skin > 1 onion > 3 stalks of celery > 1/2 bunch parsley > 1/2 head cabbage > 1/2 bunch broccoli > simmer covered 30 min. Strain and discard solids > Add 2 tsps Bragg’s liquid Aminos, or 1 tsp miso. Store in fridge covered. > nutritional analysis per serving > 100 calories, 6gm protien, 22 gm carbohydrate, 9 gm fiber, trace fats, 0 > cholestrol, 141 mg calcium, 4mg iron, 60 mg magnesium, 147 mg sodium, 1mg > zinc, 944 mg potassium. > Hope that helps some. > Hugs, > Sherry > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote in message
> news:vkngj2hppdmud0@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Everyone, > > Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding > for > > me. > > BJ-Sk. Canada
Response:
J, Another book that I have has this to say. "Potassium…this mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body’s water balance. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. This function of potassium has been shown to decrease with age, which may account for some of the circulatory damage, lethargy, and weakness experienced by older people. Signs of potassium deficiency include abnormally dry skin, acne, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, diarrhea, diminished reflex function, edema, nevousness, insatiable thirst, fluctuations in heartbeat, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholestrol levels, insomnia, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, periodic headaches, proteinuria (protien in urine), respiratory distress, and salt retention. Food sources of potassium include dairy foods, fish, fruit, legumes, meat, poultry, vegetables, and whole grains. It is specifically found in apricots, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dates, dulse, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, torula yeast, wheat bran, and yams. Herbs that contain potassium include catnip, hops, horsetail, nettle, plantain, red clover, sage, and skullcap. Comments: Kidney disorders, diarrhea, and the use of diruretics or laxatives all disrupt potassium levels. Tobacco and caffeine reduce potassium absorption. Potassium is needed for hormone secretion. The secretion of stress hormones causes a decrease in the potassium-to-sodium ratio both inside and outside the cells. As a result, stress increases the body’s potassium requirements. Hugs, Sherry "J" <KnewZ…@example.com
wrote in message
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Sherry wrote: According to one of my "health food books" stress, Stress eh? So I guess BJ and her doctor will have to talk that one out,
perhaps
that’s it and depending on the levels (ie how low). I’ve never been
checked but
confess I don’t eat much fruit these days, but do some of the stuff you
types
(and I snipped below). hypoglycemoa, diarreahea,and acute mental anxiety all cause potassium deficiency. Effective food sources are: dried fruits, lean poultry, fish, dairy
foods,
legumes, seeds, vegetables, whole grains. <snipped a bunch of great stuff= you’re quite the typer Sherry Thanks bunches (of bananas)
Response:
Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding for me. BJ-Sk. Canada
Response:
BJ wrote:
Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding for me. BJ-Sk. Canada
http://www.emedicine.com/aaem/topic291.htm (too long to copy here) http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gid7=71 Prednisone can cause a low potassium and this is a common side effect of chronic administration of the drug. Physicians prescribing it look for electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia (as low potassium is called). Sodium retention with resultant edema, potassium loss, and high blood pressure may occur in patients receiving glucocorticoids (steroids). Taking a 10 mg dose of prednisone for a few months is considered a prolonged dose. Dietary salt restriction is advisable and potassium supplementation may be necessary. If your potassium remains low your physician may elect to give you a pill to supplement your potassium loss. Of course this depends on whether you can regain your normal potassium levels using fruits, orange juice, raisins, bananas and other high potassium foods. Other causes of low potassium are kidney disease, diuretics (fluid pills), uncontrolled diabetes, chronic vomiting, laxative abuse and chronic diarrhea. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/prednistab_ad.htm SIDE EFFECTS Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances Sodium retention Fluid retention Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients Potassium loss Hypokalemic alkalosis Hypertension Before you go blaming the Pred, perhaps look at your diet and get the doc to check your kidney function? If you have chronic diarrhea, eat stuff that constipaties.(balances things out) J
Response:
Well I have nothing more to add on WHAT causes the potassium loss. I just know I have that problems a lot. I have no clue, I eat banannas, and green leafy veggies, should eat more of them. LOL But it happens alot with me. When I had my heart cath last fall, they did blood test and potassium was low. Doc says Are you feeling weak? Or light headed, NOPE, says I. Well he says you should. I have to have potassium IV to regroup. But felt no symptoms. I have had low almost every time going to ER for anything. So I make sure to watch and replenish with some type of potassium, but NEVER the pills unless a doctor tells me too. Believe me NO diarrhea here. And they never could pin point it, so just have to watch I guess. BJ, if you are having it, and no symptoms? Try banannas and more leafy greens. Banannas is the best source of potassium there is, and you can carry one right with ya …well hide it in your purse lol. Just kidding. Good luck janers
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Janers wrote:
Well I have nothing more to add on WHAT causes the potassium loss. I just know I have that problems a lot. I have no clue, I eat banannas, and green leafy veggies, should eat more of them. LOL But it happens alot with me. When I had my heart cath last fall, they did blood test and potassium was low. Doc says Are you feeling weak? Or light headed, NOPE, says I. Well he says you should. I have to have potassium IV to regroup. But felt no symptoms. I have had low almost every time going to ER for anything. So I make sure to watch and replenish with some type of potassium, but NEVER the pills unless a doctor tells me too. Believe me NO diarrhea here. And they never could pin point it, so just have to watch I guess. BJ, if you are having it, and no symptoms? Try banannas and more leafy greens. Banannas is the best source of potassium there is, and you can carry one right with ya …well hide it in your purse lol. Just kidding.
How about a banana sundae? I haven’t had one in 40 years. We’ll head out to Sask and share one with BJ. how’z about? Hugs J
Response:
BJ, According to one of my "health food books" stress, hypoglycemoa, diarreahea,and acute mental anxiety all cause potassium deficiency. Effective food sources are: dried fruits, lean poultry, fish, dairy foods, legumes, seeds, vegetables, whole grains. Potassium Juice (12 oz glass) 3 carrots 1/2 bunch spinach1/2 bunch parsley 3 stalks celery optional 1 to 2 tsp Bragg’s Liquis Aminos Nutritional analysis per serving 69 calories, 3 gm protien, 15gm carbohydrate, 6 gm fiber, trace fats, 0 cholestrol, 100mg calciuum, 2mg iron, 52 mg magnesium, 788 mg potassium, 144 mg sodium, 1 mg zinc If you do not have a juicer, make a potassium broth in a soup pot While not as concentrated or pure it is still an excellent source of energy, minerals and electrolytes. 2 day supply 3 to 4 carrots 2 potatoes, with skin 1 onion 3 stalks of celery 1/2 bunch parsley 1/2 head cabbage 1/2 bunch broccoli simmer covered 30 min. Strain and discard solids Add 2 tsps Bragg’s liquid Aminos, or 1 tsp miso. Store in fridge covered. nutritional analysis per serving 100 calories, 6gm protien, 22 gm carbohydrate, 9 gm fiber, trace fats, 0 cholestrol, 141 mg calcium, 4mg iron, 60 mg magnesium, 147 mg sodium, 1mg zinc, 944 mg potassium. Hope that helps some. Hugs, Sherry "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca
wrote in message
news:vkngj2hppdmud0@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding
for
me. BJ-Sk. Canada
Response:
When my late husband was going though liver hell, keeping his potassium levels level was very hard. The primary culprit in his potassium levels was fluid levels. If he retained too much, the levels would skyrocket. When he lost too much, they would plummet. His fluid retention was directly caused by his liver. That’s not to say that is the only thing that can cause fluid retention. We only knew when between do visits (usually twice a week) when his level were out of whack was when he would develop sudden flu like symptoms. To correct low potassium levels he had to take Kadur which is a giant horse pill that is absolutely hell on the stomach. Guaranteed to make you barf. Maintaining a constant level of potassium is very important. Potassium is the principle ingredient in maintaining a steady heart beat. Too much or too little will result in heart failure. In medicine, an undiluted form of potassium is known as hard potassium and is often used in surgery to stop the heart beating. The optimum level as a grade of 1-8 is 4. A two point deviation is life threatening. At any time that you get sudden flu like symptoms and you noticed your fluid retention and intake have taken a noticeable change, go immediately to the hospital and tell the ER doc you suspect that your potassium levels have changed. The can do a test there within an hour and if they are off too much, they’ll get you fixed up real quick. You can’t afford the time to wait to see your doctor at the clinic. You could have sudden heart failure. It pays to go the the hospital and be a little bit embarrassed that it was nothing than stay at home and be dead. Just my observation from dealing with late hubby’s disease. Rose – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BJ wrote:
Hi Everyone, Do you know what might cause low potassium levels? This is a new finding for me. BJ-Sk. Canada
Response:
Categories: Would Celebrex Cause Fluid Retention | 
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I was responding to an implication that carbups might be just the thing to end a stall or kick weight loss up a notch, or something like that. Can’t quite remember any more. LOL. I know that’s been recommended here a lot of times, and it does work for some people. My caution is just that for many people it causes such intense cravings that they end up out of control for weeks, sometimes months and gain a bunch of weight before they get back on the LC wagon. It’s hard to tell in advance how it will affect you. I’ve personally had the above happen a time or three. I subsequently discovered that if I need to go on a carb binge, it must be sort of like the carb phase of Suzanne Somer’s program. In other words, it has to be strictly whole grain, little added sugar, and very low fat. For some reason I can do that and not gain weight, or even lose weight. But… sigh… anything at all fun just sets my insulin problems raging and it becomes very hard to get back in control. Maybe it depends on how insulin resistant you are. Not sure. — HG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hannah Gruen wrote … BUT I’d like to interject a warning regarding carb-ups for other purposes. Some people can do them (me for instance, usually) and some people can’t. This something that should be used with GREAT caution, and only by people who have been low-carbing for a period of many weeks. I’ve read many stories on this newsgroup about people who were having trouble with weight loss and decided to try a carb-up. Sometimes it worked, but often the person just went completely off-track and gained a bunch of weight and then took months and months to re-lose it. Thanks for the warning – but I’ve been LC for a year now (well, 2.5 years if you count 11 months on and 9 months off before starting again), with only 2 cheat weeks prior to this, one over Christmas and one at Easter. I have only ever lost a few kgs on induction, and diddly squat thereafter. Both cheats I’ve gained the expected water weight, lost it within 2 weeks and continued my frustrating cycle of losing half a kg for two weeks then gaining it back over the next 2 weeks. I don’t generally suffer too much from cravings (except lately I’ve had a craving for olives, which fortunately I can satisfy and still be LC!) The last 2 weeks I’ve gained a couple of kgs anyway. I’m hoping the avandia, an insulin-sensitising drug, will help get some weight loss progress started. Doc did warn me it might cause an initial weight gain, which I’m guessing is related to it having the potential to cause fluid retention. My eyes were really puffy this morning when I got up, so I’m guessing there’s a fair bit of water in my system. Am feeling parched this afternoon, probably because of it being very cold and spending the whole weekend in front of the heater. Still, if I can pour loads of water down me it should help with the carb withdrawals! If you get an insulin surge along with the extra carbs, as sources I’ve read suggest tends to happen, you may find yourself also gaining fat much more quickly for the first few weeks. So be aware of these potential pitfalls if thinking of carbing up. It’s not going to go on for weeks, just until 9pm tonight, when I start fasting for the damn GTT, then it’s back to induction. Rachel (New Zealand 
to send mail). 
) cheers Rachel (New Zealand) 