Potassium - Health Benefits for Your Heart and More

Several years ago I started low carbing. I felt very sick at first with the huge water loss so I started taking potassium supplements and it fixed the problem. It also helped with lupus symptoms. Since then, I've been taking 6 99mg tabs - 2 tabs 3 times a day. On low carb, I eat virtually no fruits but many vegs. but when I lower the amount of potassium I don't feel as good and I get low back pain. Is this a dangerous amount of potassium? I have had blood tests on this amount and they've been normal. Also, I just started to add EVCO and ACV to my diet. Will these help me to get off the potassium supplements? If so, how should I taper the pills? Thanks for any advice.

I think Alfred should be referring to 'Sodium' instead of the catch all of 'salt'. After all, there are also uranium salts, amphetamine salts, boron salts, etc. "Salt" is a from, not technically a specific substance. The reason you hear that you should stay away from too much 'salt' is because common table salt was originally made by refinement for use as an industrial chemical and is almost pure sodium. So an over abundance of pure sodium without the minerals it is naturally found with causes an imbalance in your body chemistry. The natural substances of sea salt, Celtic salt, Himalayan salt, etc. have the correct balance of nearly 80 beneficial minerals (as Kelly from San Luis Obispo pointed out)

To Ann of La, Ca--Yes, a teaspoon of cream of tartar equals or contains 5 grams of cream of tartar, not potassium. A teaspoon of flour is also 5 grams of flour. No dangerous information was given. You misunderstood. It wasn't 5 grams of potassium. A teaspoon or 5 grams of cream of tartar contains 495 mg of potassium.

Potassium doses should be split up into smaller doses throughout the day. I take 1/4 teaspoon of Cream of Tartar in 4 ounces of orange juice and a pinch of sea salt twice a day, at 10:00am and 2:00pm. It's called the adrenal cocktail. I feel more grounded with this added to my diet.

As Dr. Berg points out on YouTube, a classic symptom of low potassium is hearing your blood/pulse whooshing or banging in your ears. I keep a pot of potassium citrate crystals by my bed & a quarter teaspoon in water gives me 300mg of elemental potassium, the amount in a small banana. As I don't want to be eating at night, I just pop some into half a glass of water along with half a teaspoon of magnesium citrate (magnesium helps the cells retain potassium, apparently), let it dissolve for a few minutes then drink it down. Stops the banging & calms me down within a few minutes. A level teaspoon of Cream of Tartar only seems to contain around 500mg of elemental potassium (the amount in a large banana), so shouldn't be an issue. A glass of coconut water contains a decent amount of potassium, so having some of that on hand is helpful too.

Hi Everyone, I've had the pleasure of suffering with gout for over 50 years. When I used to play rugby, after every game, both of my big toes felt like they were on fire. As you all have, I tried every remedy I could, trying to stay away from Allopurinol as much as possible. Finally, I came across a magic bullet - potassium supplements. I tend to be a bit of a carnivore so my diet lacks the proper levels of potassium. I was reading an article about arthritis (another legacy of 30 years of rugby) and they mentioned that low potassium levels contributed to the problem and in passing mentioned that potassium also appeared to dissolve Uric crystals. The next time I had an attack, I started taking potassium supplements and IT WORKED. Within a day, the pain was reduced to a dull roar and within 2 it was gone completely.What a relief! I can't recommend this approach enough. Good Luck. Stoney

Please post to both Potassium and COVID recovery pages.

In July 2021 my family and I came down with Covid. My symptoms were severe headache, severe fatigue and entire body severe muscle aches and body aches. None of us lost smell or taste but I also developed a different symptom than what I have read about: I got a disgusting nasty taste in my mouth that no amount of tooth brushing or anything would remove. It made coffee, water and any food taste really gross. As a result I stopped eating much and stopped drinking much, except forcing myself to eat and drink a little bit to stay alive.

My husband and two teenagers all recovered within a few days & our 4 year old never got it, however I continued to be in constant intense pain with muscle & body aches all over. I also had lost my appetite and had (sorry TMI) diarrhea.

After a week and a half I was still in agony & my husband asked why haven't I gotten better? I was wondering the same thing so I looked up online “severe muscle aches and body aches” and out popped Low Potassium & your article explained why eating a banana doesn't afford immediate potassium. I realized that all the diarrhea probably exasperated the issue of low potassium.

So I sent someone to the store as I was no way ready to travel and the potassium couldn't arrive fast enough!

I took a few potassium pills (sorry I don't remember the exact number) and within an hour or so I felt SO much better! I think I took 2-4 potassium pills at 99mg for a few days.

I continued with then potassium supplements until I felt better . Also ate some bananas for good measure as I figured it couldn't hurt.

During my episodes of hypertension, the rx of Lisinopril forces the excretion of sodium while retaining potassium, yet my condition warrants occasional potassium supplementation (potassium gluconate 90mg). A few months back, I had a crisis reaction to monosodium glutamate from Ramen noodles. My regular K supplement wasn't removing the msg efficiently enough so I started adding my "salt substitute" from the pantry. The potassium chloride from this substitute brought rapid improvement of my condition. You can find salt substitute at most grocers as it is used commonly with people suffering hypertension issues. Apple Juice or Apple Cider Juice is a good source of potassium.

Low electrolytes is a sign of more serious issues like adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroid, low blood, among others. I suggest dropping regular processed table salt to Iodized Sea Salt and/or Himalayan Pink Salt as they contain also trace minerals which help balance all minerals in the body. For additional benefit you can greatly increase minerals by supplementing Ionic Trace Minerals found in health food stores. Blackstrap Molasses (BSM) is also a great source of minerals, especially iron, magnesium, and potassium. Also take a supplement of Calcium 2 AEP to improve passage & usage of minerals at the cellular level..

Hi Paul,

A small 8.45 Fl. Oz. bottle of coconut water contains 500mg of potassium along with 4% calcium and 4% magnesium, so just a couple of swigs (not the whole container) of that would bring up her levels fairly promptly. They do not need to be refrigerated and can be taken anywhere, and keep in a pantry until the expiration date which can be a decent period of time. It can also be mixed with juice or smoothie ingredients. Best wishes.

Here is a home remedy for fatigue.
Cut an unpeeled potato in slices in the evening and leave the pieces in water overnight. The juice, drunk in the morning, is rich in potassium. I read in a book that potassium deficiencies are common in people with fatigue.

Hi earth clinic friends, I had my potassium levels checked twice in the last two weeks it's remained the same - 5.5. I am about to have elective surgery in one week. The doctor has given the green light but, I was wondering if I could use baking soda to reduce my level.

I so love this site even though a lot of it goes over my head. I wish smartness was contagious.

One more thing, don't forget the liver makes a lot more cholesterol than we could ever eat so it is actually no use to eat less, you will only force your liver to make more. That said you are right the ration potassium/salt should be correct!

I take potassium supplements every so often because I do so much martial arts training and my muscles are often severely fatigued. I find I am less tired the day after an intense workout when I take a potassium supplement along with a Calcium/Magnesium/Phosphorous liquid combo. I also take potassium when I am sick as it dries up excess mucous in the body. I have low blood pressure to begin with so I have to be careful not to overdo the potassium supplementation! I can tell it lowers my blood pressure somewhat..

You most likely have low blood pressure because you have low potassium levels. So taking potassium should not lower your blood pressure more, it should help normalize your blood pressure instead. I had a hair analysis done in the past and it said my sodium/potassium levels were very low. It also said I had low blood pressure due to the low sodium/potassium levels. Yes potassium can lower blood pressure for those that have high blood pressure, but it shouldn't lower it more for those with already low blood pressure, it should just normalize it. Magnesium also lowers blood pressure too for those with high blood pressure and that also shouldn't lower blood pressure for those with already low blood pressure.

Potassium supplementation for Dry Eyes

If you have had to deal with any of the COVD colds these past few years check with the doctor to find out if your potassium level is up to par. Besides Vitamin C and Melatonin, Potassium was one of the earlier supplements that helped people recover from COVD. From what I understood that condition used up or drained the body's potassium.

I am adding this thought on potassium because lately I have been trying keep up with the daily recommendation for Potassium. Articles say 3,500–4,700 mg of potassium daily and that it is safer when taken in foods. This really is not hard if you love banana, spinach, prunes etc. . However, knowing that I do not have enough potassium rich foods on hand, I take potassium supplements. I noticed that when I wake up in the morning, my eyes feel much more normal. In fact, sometimes I forget it has been sticking.

I could not find much information to verify this, but what I did come up with is in this post. I found a post from PubMed that incudes what tears are made of in this statement"

"Methods: The model is based on mass balances of water and solutes such as glucose, sodium, potassium, and chloride."

Check it out the PubMed Article:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17453939/

Here is an article about potassium Deficiency and dry eyes:

https://healthfully.com/347415-potassium-deficiency-and-dry-eyes.html

I have always been concerned about seniors, and now that I am one, I see and feel what they are saying.

HisJewel

I am 55 yrs old and have high potassium (5.6). Will taking Apple Cider Vinegar make my potassium even higher? Is it safe for me?

The term vegetable oils, is actually a "misnomer", since most of these oils are seed oils; i.e. sunflower seed, sesame seed, rapeseed etc. All of which are not exactly healthy due to their Omega 6 to 3 ratio.

Aflred, you have a lot to learn about nutrition. Until you experiment on yourself, please keep your incorrect assumptions to yourself. You could hurt unsuspecting and vulnerable people. After you have the know how, then you can have the pow wow. Until then, educate yourself.

My Opinion.. I Discovered ACV in 1994 for my personal use.. I have taken it steady and have suggested that my friends should take.

MY CONCLUSION.. MOST PEOPLE ARE LOW ON POTASSIUM..HAVE YOU EVER ASKED YOUR DOCTOR WHEN YOU TAKE A BLOOD TEST.. TO PLEASE CHECK YOUR POTASIUM LEVEL.. I DO NOT THINK YOUR DOCTOR WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT.. NORMAL LEVEL IS 3-5.. IF YOUR LEVEL IS LOWER THAN 3.. YOUR SICK.

THE REASON YOU FEEL BETTER WHEN YOU TAKE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR... ITS LOADED WITH POTASSIUM.

STAY WELL MY FRIENDS
ALFRED

I agree that processed salt, regular table salt as well as salt in commercially processed foods should be avoided. Sea Salt on the other hand as nearly 80 beneficial minerals that your body does need. The book Salt Your Way to Health, was extremely informative to me on figuring out how much and what kind of salt to use.

Reply to EC: 30 years ago I had a friend (now deceased) who was crippled as a young woman 20 years before with polio. She told me she took a teaspoon of cream of tartar in water every morning on rising and that this kept her "water" flowing in good order. I regret now I didn't clarify exactly what she meant, maybe having partial paralysis (she could manage on crutches) meant her bladder needed better control or to prevent any edema. She did mention that it was a remedy well known among her contemporaries. Hope this helps a bit.

Dear Abby,

I have also been taking 5 tablets of potassium almost everyday. Like you I am one of those who need a lot of potassium. I have been doing this for 5 years now and am fine. Like you I have often worried about it but can't live without this amount. I have been told it is because of low stomach acid the mineral are not getting into the system like they should. I don't know if this is right but there is a reason. I am fighting fibromyalgia and in a lot of pain all the time so think the minerals are being use up in this way. But don't know for sure. Read up on Nano bacteria and mycoplasmas and fluoride posioning. I am working on all these levels. I can tell you addressing these will help but lots of patience is required. Earth Clinic is a good source of information that can help.

Why I take a potassium supplement: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2006. Because of the chemotherapy and lack of appetite my potassium dropped to a critical level of 2.7. As I got stronger and finished with the treatments my level has gone up to a 4.0. I also have high blood pressure, had to change this medication.

Eating a banana every day may help to avoid eye dryness -- the main cause of irritation, redness and itch. Bananas are rich in potassium, which plays a role in salt balance and the release of fluid in your cells.

1 gram of wind and sun dried sea salt can be taken with 1 quart of water the excess sodium is removed from the tissues by the magnesium 1 tsp of trachang fish sauce contains 1/2 gram of sun dried sea salt the dosage is not per day but per quantity of water 1 tsp trachang fish sauce per pint of water several times a day is a very good remedy sun dried sea salt can be purchased from whole foods $1.69 for 24 ounces you can get 500 milligrams potassium from 1 tsp cream of tarter.

Potatoes are one of the best sources of potassium when the skins are left on.

For your minimum daily requirement of potassium take one level teaspoon of CREAM of TARTER - ABOUT 5 GRAMS as compared to 99 milligrams in a tablet. You will have to mix it in your favorite soda to cut the very tart taste. You would have to take 50.5 tablets to obtain the same amount of potassium.

I have low stomach acid too, I take 10 or so 99mg tabs of potassium per day. Iodine 2% drops about 20 per day helps with many other symptoms too, Lugol's brand in my drinks. I hurt myself by using superdieters tea and have needed much potassium suppliments from then on.

Be easy on potassium, people do get side effects if taken too much and may have difficulty of breathing. If taken too much potassium, a simple antidote is Salt. How to know if you take too much potassium? Too much sweating, uncomfortableness, irregular breathing, sometimes diarrhea. On overdose of potassium, immediately take 1 -2 teaspoon of sea salt in a half glass of water, the effect will be reduced within minutes. I know, I did it to myself as part of the experiment and almost killed myself in the process! Had to do it you know, so I will know what to do when it DOES happen, I will be prepared!

Hi Betty, Excessive use of ACV can cause lowering of potassium. Curious, however, is your potassium level of 5.6. I am diagnosed with a rare ion channelopathy and 5.6. is the serum level where I feel well. It is considered to be on the higher end of the normal range by my physician but still within normal parameters. Do you have symptoms with your potassium at this level? Such as weakness or partial paralysis? Malaise, headache or muscle tremors, fasciculations? For me these symptoms dissipate as I approach a level of 5.6 and begin to worsen as my potassium level decreases. In no way am I suggesting you may have this disorder. If you are not symptomatic at this level it just may be your bodies state of homeostasis. Of course certain medications such as an ace inhibitor along with a high potassium diet can cause you level to rise. I know for me I battle every day to try to keep my levels higher. I eat low carb, low sodium high protein and fat diet as it is recommended for my disorder, a type of normokalemic periodic paralysis. Even small decreases in my potassium levels can cause my symptoms to worsen. I take rather large amounts of potassium daily to obtain relief along with the ace inhibitor. My bodies homeostasis level is 4.4. I have been functioning as a hypokalemic individual all of my life until diagnosis even though my potassium has never been out of the normal range.

Our cells are little Generators. We must keep them healthy.. Easy to take care of with Balanced diet.. We must keep the Potassium/salt balance in our body Healthy.. If that is healthy we stay healthy.. But what happens WE EAT SALT.. NOT healthy food.. That is our challenge.. If we stay away from regular salt.. Much easier to stay healthy. Please note excerpt from book by c. Samuel west #25. We have concerns the effect of poisons in our body we must stay away from Salt, simple sugar, fats, and High cholesterol foods. MUST increase the consumption of fruits, vegatables and whole grains. Sprout the seeds and grains(Rejuvelac) they become a better source of minerals and nutrients for the Cells.. Healthy Cells we stay healthy..

Please note.. The minute the cell has more Salt than Potasium our bones in our back start to fall apart and we have back problems.. Please, Please eliminate regular salt from your diet, were ever it is.. In fast food, in soy sauce, in garlic salt, in container of salt.. We can live with out salt. Its Up to You.. Put only health stufff in your body. Alfred

A Correction: _____'s ACV has 11 mg of potassium per tablespoon not teaspoon.

Bananas may be a great source of potassium but I suffer extreme gas and stomach pain. Acv is the best source of balancing stomach acid and maintaining health.

Has anyone ever tried Cream of Tarter for a source of potassium? Cream of Tarter contains 450mg per tsp. the same as a banana.

The side affects is what bothers me. What are they concidering high doses? Side effects are unlikely when consumed in typical amounts found in food. However, taking it as a natural remedy may cause side effects that range from mild to life-threatening. (livestrong.com)

Because of its high potassium content, taking large amounts as a natural remedy may result in higher-than-normal potassium levels. Your body works to keep electrolytes like potassium in balance, and any disruption has a negative impact. (livestrong.com)

My wife some times has a problem with her potassium level dropping and will eat a banana to bring it back up. But we don't always have a banana when it hits her and I was wondering if it would be safe for her to take 1/2 tsp of Cream of Tarter mixed in some kind of liquid?

Did You Know Our Cells in Our Body are Little Electrical Cells?

Yes, our cells in our body are little electrical cells..Simple explanation .. is Mostly Potasium and a little Salt.

If you eat a lot of fast food and junk food, which is Loaded with Salt.. your killing your-self according to the USA Government finding.. An Article written in 1977.Just push into the computor..USA 1977 findings on excess Salt in our Diet.

Sooo what happens the Salt pushes the Potassium out of our cells and kills the cell.. then we get sick, very sick.
So Please stay away from Salt and take ACV Daily

Stay healthy
Alfred

Hi, further to my previous post I happened to google cream of tartar and found many references to its use as a remedy for UTI's. This was probably what my friend meant when she indicated it for "water problems"

To what I could gather one gram of CoT would have aproximately 200mg of potassium. (I used wikipedia for molar masses of CoT and tartaric acid). I weighed one tsp to be around 4 g (solid is about 5 g according to wiki).

So one tsp of CoT would contain around 800mg of potassium, if I'm not completely mistaken. One source (http://blog.fooducate.com/2011/01/11/8-things-to-know-about-cream-of-tartar/ ) said it would contain 495 mg of potassium. I packed mine quite densely though and my equipment isn't necessarily very accurate.

Please correct your dangerously inaccurate information on this page regarding the potassium amount in cream of tartar. Other websites are quoting this information from your page, believing they are quoting a reliable source.

The reference on the page is this:

10/18/2009: Mortie from Pahrump, Nv: "For your minimum daily requirement of potassium take one level teaspoon of CREAM of TARTER - ABOUT 5 GRAMS as compared to 99 milligrams in a tablet."

That is incorrect. 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar contains just 11% of your daily needs, which is 495mg of potassium, not 5 grams -- that's a 10X difference. You can cite the following reliable sources:

http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/5746
http://www.nutritionvalue.org/Leavening_agents, _cream_of_tartar_nutritional_value.html

I took 1 tsp of Cream Of Tartar around 2 pm today and have been drinking plenty of water. I am still nursing my 2 year old son and I held off to do so until 8 pm. (about 6 hours later ) Ian concerned and now worried about nursing him. Does anyone have any input on this ? Will he be ok ? I tea about cardiac arrhythmia and am checking his bpm often. I would love some input. Thanks!

Dear Diana,

I have not been able to find any information to say that cream of tartar would be contraindicated in breastfeeding. I checked my "Breastfeeding Answer Book" and could find no information about it. It was not listed in the table of foods and substances contraindicated during breastfeeding.

Personally, I would not be concerned. I was a nursing mom for most of 20 years and I don't think I would have thought twice about it.

But perhaps you have some information I am unaware of regarding it?

Your toddler is so blessed to still be nursing!

~Mama to Many~

Dana do you drink this everyday? My wife takes medication for High Blood Pressure and periodically she will suffer from her potassium level dropping too low. Most of the time she will eat a banana and then she will be fine in about 30 minutes. She had a spell last night about 1:00 am and we didn't have any bananas for her to eat. It was to late to go to the store and buy some bananas because we don't have 24 hr stores here. I saw on the internet about CoT but I was afraid to give it to her because of the warnings I read. She suffered about 1 1/2 hours because of it and finally went back to sleep.