My potassium is a little low. Any good reliable internet sources for tumeric?
I was trying to find a post from Marge from waaaaaaay back (2009) because I thought I remembered that she had low potassium and was advised to cut back on the green tea. But I'm not positive that was what was wrong; I just remember the caution about the green tea. I drink 5 or 6 cups of green tea daily in addition to several cups of a really powerful peppery delicious ginger tea I get from Traditional Medicinals online (HIGHLY recommeded if you like the peppery zing of real ginger. This tea makes everyone say WOW because it's SO surprisingly ginger-peppery.) Do any of you think this is too much while on chemo? I only take a multi-vitamin and a calcium supplement daily, nothing else in pill form. I try to eat yogurt daily (on the advice of a nutritionist), but have been uncharacteristically sloppy about my diet recently and plan to clean up my act again starting tomorrow.
(Don't look at the time I posted this. I had steroids in my pre-chemo med cup, and am now scampering around in the dark like a hampster!)
Comments
-
Glad you posted, Linda. I
Glad you posted, Linda. I was wondering how you were doing. Loved your remark about the hamster in the dark scamper.
I have been taking a turmeric supplement for the past year along with a multiple vitamin and calcium supplement. Using the turmeric in cooking along with the olive oil and black pepper it makes a tasty cauliflower dish.
Of course, bananas are a great source of potassium. I hate bananas. Baked potatoes are a good source. Bet a baked potato with some turmeric and black pepper might help. My husband frowns on my food combinations. He said they are scary. Hahaha...he does not buy into the eating healthy regime. Slowly he has changed his eating habits. We are both from the south and cook New Orleans and Cajun style. Hard to find healthy recipes...I try.
Don't know much about buying on the interned, yet. Have observed my kids doing it. Keeps the UPS guy busy. I marveled while visiting my daughter in Missouri that they could order something one day and two days later it shows up at the front door. Incredible.
Hope you are doing well, dear Linda. You are a source of hope for so many.0 -
Turmeric
Hi Linda
I don't know if Turmeric is helpful for low potassium but I do order mine online...I buy a pound and just put it in the freezer and refill my spice bottle when needed.
I do buy the organic but there is a non-organic available as well. They do have capsules too. I use: www.starwest-botanicals.com I know Claudia ordered online but don't remember where she got hers.
Hope your potassium comes back up fast!
Was glad to hear that your platelets were back up and you were able to go ahead with your chemo.
Best to you....Karen0 -
potassium
Hi Linda. As other's have stated, good foods to eat to help raise potassium are bananas, raisins, potatoes (best with skin on), oranges and orange juice.
I don't know about a good online source of tumeric per se, but I buy just about everything online from Amazon. They have good pricing, good service and I love the fact that most products are rated so you can read other's people's reviews.
Good luck!0 -
TurmericCindy Bear said:potassium
Hi Linda. As other's have stated, good foods to eat to help raise potassium are bananas, raisins, potatoes (best with skin on), oranges and orange juice.
I don't know about a good online source of tumeric per se, but I buy just about everything online from Amazon. They have good pricing, good service and I love the fact that most products are rated so you can read other's people's reviews.
Good luck!
Try www.star-westbotanicals.com, as what Karen suggested as well.
Turmeric root powder, 1# size, $9.33
-------------------------------------------
Foods which are rich in potassium include apricot, banana, baked potato, sweet potato, beet greens, yogurt, tomato puree, prune juice, carrot juice, tomato juice, spinach, lentils, beans, milk, etc. The potassium content in some foods in a serving size are given in the following table/chart. The values above 500mg are considered high in potassium and lower than 500 mg as low potassium foods.
List of Potassium Content of Foods
Foods with
Potassium Serving Size Potassium
(mg)
Almond 2 oz (57 g) 412
Apricots, dried 10 halves 407
Artichoke 1 cup 595 *
Avocados, raw 1 ounce 180
Bananas, raw 1 cup 594 *
Beans, baked 1 cup 752 *
Beans, Kidney 1 cup 713 *
Beans, Lima 1 cup 955 *
Beans, Pinto 1 cup 800 *
Beets, cooked 1 cup 519 *
Black-eyed peas(lobia) 1 cup 690 *
Brazil nuts 2 oz (57 g) 340
Brussel sprouts, cooked 1 cup 504 *
Cantaloupe 1 cup 494
Carrot Juice 1 cup 689 *
Chickpeas 1 cup 477
Dates, dry 5 dates 271
Figs, dry 2 figs 271
Kiwi fruit, raw 1 medium 252
Lentils 1 cup 731 *
Melons, honeydew 1 cup 461
Milk, fat free or skim 1 cup 407
Nectarine 1 nectarine 288
Orange juice 1 cup 496
Orange 1 orange 237
Pears(fresh) 1 pear 208
Peanuts dry roasted, unsalted 2 oz (57 g) 374
Potatoe, baked, 1 potato 1081 *
Prune juice 1 cup 707
Prune, dried 1 cup 828 *
Raisin 1 cup 1089 *
Spinach, cooked 1 cup 839 *
Tomato canned sauce 1 cup 909 *
Tomato Juice 1 cup 535 *
Winter squash 1 cup 896 *
Yogurt plain, skim milk 8 ounces 579 *
Source: USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 15
From the above table you can chose foods high in Potassium (values more than 500 mg, marked as *). Choose foods low in potassium to make a low potassium diet.0 -
TurmericCindy Bear said:potassium
Hi Linda. As other's have stated, good foods to eat to help raise potassium are bananas, raisins, potatoes (best with skin on), oranges and orange juice.
I don't know about a good online source of tumeric per se, but I buy just about everything online from Amazon. They have good pricing, good service and I love the fact that most products are rated so you can read other's people's reviews.
Good luck!
Try www.star-westbotanicals.com, as what Karen suggested as well.
Turmeric root powder, 1# size, $9.33
-------------------------------------------
Foods which are rich in potassium include apricot, banana, baked potato, sweet potato, beet greens, yogurt, tomato puree, prune juice, carrot juice, tomato juice, spinach, lentils, beans, milk, etc. The potassium content in some foods in a serving size are given in the following table/chart. The values above 500mg are considered high in potassium and lower than 500 mg as low potassium foods.
List of Potassium Content of Foods
Foods with
Potassium Serving Size Potassium
(mg)
Almond 2 oz (57 g) 412
Apricots, dried 10 halves 407
Artichoke 1 cup 595 *
Avocados, raw 1 ounce 180
Bananas, raw 1 cup 594 *
Beans, baked 1 cup 752 *
Beans, Kidney 1 cup 713 *
Beans, Lima 1 cup 955 *
Beans, Pinto 1 cup 800 *
Beets, cooked 1 cup 519 *
Black-eyed peas(lobia) 1 cup 690 *
Brazil nuts 2 oz (57 g) 340
Brussel sprouts, cooked 1 cup 504 *
Cantaloupe 1 cup 494
Carrot Juice 1 cup 689 *
Chickpeas 1 cup 477
Dates, dry 5 dates 271
Figs, dry 2 figs 271
Kiwi fruit, raw 1 medium 252
Lentils 1 cup 731 *
Melons, honeydew 1 cup 461
Milk, fat free or skim 1 cup 407
Nectarine 1 nectarine 288
Orange juice 1 cup 496
Orange 1 orange 237
Pears(fresh) 1 pear 208
Peanuts dry roasted, unsalted 2 oz (57 g) 374
Potatoe, baked, 1 potato 1081 *
Prune juice 1 cup 707
Prune, dried 1 cup 828 *
Raisin 1 cup 1089 *
Spinach, cooked 1 cup 839 *
Tomato canned sauce 1 cup 909 *
Tomato Juice 1 cup 535 *
Winter squash 1 cup 896 *
Yogurt plain, skim milk 8 ounces 579 *
Source: USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 15
From the above table you can chose foods high in Potassium (values more than 500 mg, marked as *). Choose foods low in potassium to make a low potassium diet.0 -
Hi Lindajazzy1 said:Turmeric
Try www.star-westbotanicals.com, as what Karen suggested as well.
Turmeric root powder, 1# size, $9.33
-------------------------------------------
Foods which are rich in potassium include apricot, banana, baked potato, sweet potato, beet greens, yogurt, tomato puree, prune juice, carrot juice, tomato juice, spinach, lentils, beans, milk, etc. The potassium content in some foods in a serving size are given in the following table/chart. The values above 500mg are considered high in potassium and lower than 500 mg as low potassium foods.
List of Potassium Content of Foods
Foods with
Potassium Serving Size Potassium
(mg)
Almond 2 oz (57 g) 412
Apricots, dried 10 halves 407
Artichoke 1 cup 595 *
Avocados, raw 1 ounce 180
Bananas, raw 1 cup 594 *
Beans, baked 1 cup 752 *
Beans, Kidney 1 cup 713 *
Beans, Lima 1 cup 955 *
Beans, Pinto 1 cup 800 *
Beets, cooked 1 cup 519 *
Black-eyed peas(lobia) 1 cup 690 *
Brazil nuts 2 oz (57 g) 340
Brussel sprouts, cooked 1 cup 504 *
Cantaloupe 1 cup 494
Carrot Juice 1 cup 689 *
Chickpeas 1 cup 477
Dates, dry 5 dates 271
Figs, dry 2 figs 271
Kiwi fruit, raw 1 medium 252
Lentils 1 cup 731 *
Melons, honeydew 1 cup 461
Milk, fat free or skim 1 cup 407
Nectarine 1 nectarine 288
Orange juice 1 cup 496
Orange 1 orange 237
Pears(fresh) 1 pear 208
Peanuts dry roasted, unsalted 2 oz (57 g) 374
Potatoe, baked, 1 potato 1081 *
Prune juice 1 cup 707
Prune, dried 1 cup 828 *
Raisin 1 cup 1089 *
Spinach, cooked 1 cup 839 *
Tomato canned sauce 1 cup 909 *
Tomato Juice 1 cup 535 *
Winter squash 1 cup 896 *
Yogurt plain, skim milk 8 ounces 579 *
Source: USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 15
From the above table you can chose foods high in Potassium (values more than 500 mg, marked as *). Choose foods low in potassium to make a low potassium diet.
We have huge Indian community here, which mean unlimited source of turmeric. In other words I need your address.0 -
I bought the turmeric fromculka said:Hi Linda
We have huge Indian community here, which mean unlimited source of turmeric. In other words I need your address.
I bought the turmeric from McCormick spices. Is that good? or is organic better. They sell it at our local grocery store (Giant Eagle). How do you know what is the best turmeric to buy?
Kathy0 -
Low Potassium
Hi Linda,
Missed your posts lately and was concerned about how you were doing.
I, too, have experienced low potassium. givem supplements at the chemo center and then add from lists like the ones posted.
Glad for the most part that you are doing well.
Peace and hope, JJ0 -
TurmericAlways Hopeful said:Low Potassium
Hi Linda,
Missed your posts lately and was concerned about how you were doing.
I, too, have experienced low potassium. givem supplements at the chemo center and then add from lists like the ones posted.
Glad for the most part that you are doing well.
Peace and hope, JJ
Kathy, McCormick is the standard spices in local grocery stores, which is fine. I do know you can purchase a different vendor type at Whole Foods, in organic. If I can purchase organic I do in anything I ingest in my body.
Might I recommend www.star-westbotanicals.com. They offer "bulk" organic turmeric in 1 lb bag for $9.33. Wonderful value!!! Free shipping on orders of $75+.
Culka, The local vendors you mentioned, any offer shipping? I'm in midwest and we don't have a heavy population of Indians so not much opportunity for this type of product.
Jan0 -
Linda
I became aware recently that potasium is a limiting factor in cancer growth. right before I was first diagnosed with cancer, I had had blood work done and my potasium level was so low there was a message on machine from the lab to call them immediately. It can greatly affect the heart muscle and other things when it's low. It was 2. something.
anyway, if it low or especialllly if it's out of the normal range, you might ask your doctor for potasium pills for a bit to bring it up.
I'm sending this article cause I can't remember where I read that other information, just a made a huge mental note of it. I guess sending you articles is kinda silly, but what the heck.
Potassium
Other common name(s): none (Note that there are several brand names for prescription forms of this supplement)
Scientific/medical name(s): K, K+, potassium chloride (KCl), potassium citrate, potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate
Description
Potassium is an essential mineral found in most foods. Along with sodium and calcium, potassium helps regulate major body functions, including normal heart rhythm, blood pressure, water balance in the body, digestion, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and pH balance (the balance of acidity and alkalinity in the body). The body cannot make potassium on its own and must get it from foods. Potassium is found in foods such as apricots, potatoes, bananas, oranges, pineapples, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean meat. Most salt substitutes also contain large amounts of potassium. Potassium supplements may be prescribed by doctors for patients with imbalances in blood chemicals.
Overview
Potassium is a mineral that is required for the body to work normally. Most people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink. Available scientific evidence does not support claims that potassium supplements can prevent or treat cancer in humans. Excess potassium in the body can be toxic.
How is it promoted for use?
Some alternative medical practitioners maintain that low levels of potassium in the body may be linked to cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, and schizophrenia. Some proponents claim that a diet high in sodium and low in potassium promotes tumor growth by changing the normal pH and water balance in human cells.
What does it involve?
Most foods contain potassium, so people usually get plenty of potassium from what they eat and drink. Normally, the kidneys control the level of potassium in the blood and get rid of excess in the urine. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences has set Adequate Intake of potassium at 4.7 grams per day for most adults. No upper limit was set for potassium intake from foods. Still, those with kidney disease, Addison's disease, or those taking certain blood pressure medicines may need to consume less than the Adequate Intake of potassium.
Potassium supplements are needed only by those who have low levels of potassium in their blood, a condition known as hypokalemia. The causes of hypokalemia can include diarrhea and vomiting, diabetes, certain kidney diseases, excessive sweating, overuse of laxatives, and some types of diuretics. (Diuretics are drugs that remove water from the body through urine, or "water pills"). Use of potassium supplements can be dangerous unless carefully watched by health care providers. This may mean frequent blood tests to check potassium levels.
What is the history behind it?
In the 1930s, Max Gerson began developing a controversial dietary treatment for cancer known as the Gerson Diet Therapy (see Gerson Therapy). The cornerstone of his diet was the use of potassium supplements and low sodium intake. He claimed the diet could restore proper balance of salt and water within human cells and help stop tumor growth. However, this theory has not been supported by clinical or experimental data published in respected peer-reviewed journals.
What is the evidence?
Some animal and human studies have suggested that eating foods high in potassium and low in sodium might help prevent high blood pressure, or hypertension. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, also called the DASH diet, was designed to help control blood pressure. The DASH diet can reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease. It mainly works through weight loss, reduced salt intake, moderation in drinking alcohol (for those who drink), and eating foods that are rich in potassium. These measures are especially helpful in older people and in African Americans, although the exact reasons are uncertain. For people who already have high blood pressure, these measures can be used along with medicines to gain better control over blood pressure. This can help reduce risk of stroke and heart attack.
Some studies that observe large groups of people have found that in a number of countries where there are high-potassium diets, cancer rates are lower. In areas where there are low-potassium diets, these studies showed the cancer rates are higher. These types of studies, however, do not prove a direct connection, because there are many other factors involved. A few of these studies of individual potassium intake (rather than national averages) have found links with cancer risk. However, the main sources of potassium in foods are fruits and vegetables. This may mean that people with a diet high in potassium are at lower risk for cancer because of other compounds in these foods. Since fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins, phytochemicals, and other antioxidants, it may be that compounds besides potassium account for their helpful effects. When researchers look at large groups with different lifestyles and habits, it is also possible that their findings can be explained by other factors that were not examined.
Choosing foods from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans is likely to be healthier than eating large amounts of one type of food. The American Cancer Society's most recent nutrition guidelines recommend eating a balanced diet with an emphasis on plant sources, which includes:
•Five or more servings of vegetables and fruit each day
•Choosing whole grains over processed and refined grains
•Limiting processed meats and red meats
•Balancing calorie intake with physical activity to get to or stay at a healthy weight
•Limiting alcohol intake
One researcher has suggested a link between low potassium and high sodium levels in cells and an increased risk of cancer. But available scientific evidence does not support the idea that changes in dietary potassium intake have any impact on potassium concentrations inside cancer cells.
Are there any possible problems or complications?
This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce drugs (which must be tested before being sold), the companies that make supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease.
Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different batches of the same brand. In 2007, the FDA wrote new rules to improve the quality of manufacturing for dietary supplements and the proper listing of supplement ingredients. But these rules do not address the safety of the ingredients or their effects on health.
Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered incomplete.
Too much potassium supplement or salt substitute can cause potassium to build up in the blood, resulting in a condition known as hyperkalemia. The symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle paralysis, trouble breathing, and even heart failure and death. Severe kidney failure and Addison's disease (a hormone deficiency) may also cause hyperkalemia. But even people with normal kidneys can overdose on potassium if they take too many supplements at once.
People who are taking potassium-sparing diuretics (such as triamterene, amiloride, and spironolactone) can build up dangerously high potassium levels if they use potassium supplements or salt substitutes. The blood pressure medicines known as ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril) can cause the same problem. Those with kidney failure, diabetes, or Addison's disease should only take potassium supplements under the careful supervision of a doctor.
Other side effects of potassium supplements may include stomach or intestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are thinking about potassium supplements. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-227-2345).0 -
Low Potassiumcalifornia_artist said:Linda
I became aware recently that potasium is a limiting factor in cancer growth. right before I was first diagnosed with cancer, I had had blood work done and my potasium level was so low there was a message on machine from the lab to call them immediately. It can greatly affect the heart muscle and other things when it's low. It was 2. something.
anyway, if it low or especialllly if it's out of the normal range, you might ask your doctor for potasium pills for a bit to bring it up.
I'm sending this article cause I can't remember where I read that other information, just a made a huge mental note of it. I guess sending you articles is kinda silly, but what the heck.
Potassium
Other common name(s): none (Note that there are several brand names for prescription forms of this supplement)
Scientific/medical name(s): K, K+, potassium chloride (KCl), potassium citrate, potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate
Description
Potassium is an essential mineral found in most foods. Along with sodium and calcium, potassium helps regulate major body functions, including normal heart rhythm, blood pressure, water balance in the body, digestion, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and pH balance (the balance of acidity and alkalinity in the body). The body cannot make potassium on its own and must get it from foods. Potassium is found in foods such as apricots, potatoes, bananas, oranges, pineapples, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean meat. Most salt substitutes also contain large amounts of potassium. Potassium supplements may be prescribed by doctors for patients with imbalances in blood chemicals.
Overview
Potassium is a mineral that is required for the body to work normally. Most people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink. Available scientific evidence does not support claims that potassium supplements can prevent or treat cancer in humans. Excess potassium in the body can be toxic.
How is it promoted for use?
Some alternative medical practitioners maintain that low levels of potassium in the body may be linked to cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, and schizophrenia. Some proponents claim that a diet high in sodium and low in potassium promotes tumor growth by changing the normal pH and water balance in human cells.
What does it involve?
Most foods contain potassium, so people usually get plenty of potassium from what they eat and drink. Normally, the kidneys control the level of potassium in the blood and get rid of excess in the urine. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences has set Adequate Intake of potassium at 4.7 grams per day for most adults. No upper limit was set for potassium intake from foods. Still, those with kidney disease, Addison's disease, or those taking certain blood pressure medicines may need to consume less than the Adequate Intake of potassium.
Potassium supplements are needed only by those who have low levels of potassium in their blood, a condition known as hypokalemia. The causes of hypokalemia can include diarrhea and vomiting, diabetes, certain kidney diseases, excessive sweating, overuse of laxatives, and some types of diuretics. (Diuretics are drugs that remove water from the body through urine, or "water pills"). Use of potassium supplements can be dangerous unless carefully watched by health care providers. This may mean frequent blood tests to check potassium levels.
What is the history behind it?
In the 1930s, Max Gerson began developing a controversial dietary treatment for cancer known as the Gerson Diet Therapy (see Gerson Therapy). The cornerstone of his diet was the use of potassium supplements and low sodium intake. He claimed the diet could restore proper balance of salt and water within human cells and help stop tumor growth. However, this theory has not been supported by clinical or experimental data published in respected peer-reviewed journals.
What is the evidence?
Some animal and human studies have suggested that eating foods high in potassium and low in sodium might help prevent high blood pressure, or hypertension. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, also called the DASH diet, was designed to help control blood pressure. The DASH diet can reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease. It mainly works through weight loss, reduced salt intake, moderation in drinking alcohol (for those who drink), and eating foods that are rich in potassium. These measures are especially helpful in older people and in African Americans, although the exact reasons are uncertain. For people who already have high blood pressure, these measures can be used along with medicines to gain better control over blood pressure. This can help reduce risk of stroke and heart attack.
Some studies that observe large groups of people have found that in a number of countries where there are high-potassium diets, cancer rates are lower. In areas where there are low-potassium diets, these studies showed the cancer rates are higher. These types of studies, however, do not prove a direct connection, because there are many other factors involved. A few of these studies of individual potassium intake (rather than national averages) have found links with cancer risk. However, the main sources of potassium in foods are fruits and vegetables. This may mean that people with a diet high in potassium are at lower risk for cancer because of other compounds in these foods. Since fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins, phytochemicals, and other antioxidants, it may be that compounds besides potassium account for their helpful effects. When researchers look at large groups with different lifestyles and habits, it is also possible that their findings can be explained by other factors that were not examined.
Choosing foods from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans is likely to be healthier than eating large amounts of one type of food. The American Cancer Society's most recent nutrition guidelines recommend eating a balanced diet with an emphasis on plant sources, which includes:
•Five or more servings of vegetables and fruit each day
•Choosing whole grains over processed and refined grains
•Limiting processed meats and red meats
•Balancing calorie intake with physical activity to get to or stay at a healthy weight
•Limiting alcohol intake
One researcher has suggested a link between low potassium and high sodium levels in cells and an increased risk of cancer. But available scientific evidence does not support the idea that changes in dietary potassium intake have any impact on potassium concentrations inside cancer cells.
Are there any possible problems or complications?
This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce drugs (which must be tested before being sold), the companies that make supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease.
Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different batches of the same brand. In 2007, the FDA wrote new rules to improve the quality of manufacturing for dietary supplements and the proper listing of supplement ingredients. But these rules do not address the safety of the ingredients or their effects on health.
Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered incomplete.
Too much potassium supplement or salt substitute can cause potassium to build up in the blood, resulting in a condition known as hyperkalemia. The symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle paralysis, trouble breathing, and even heart failure and death. Severe kidney failure and Addison's disease (a hormone deficiency) may also cause hyperkalemia. But even people with normal kidneys can overdose on potassium if they take too many supplements at once.
People who are taking potassium-sparing diuretics (such as triamterene, amiloride, and spironolactone) can build up dangerously high potassium levels if they use potassium supplements or salt substitutes. The blood pressure medicines known as ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril) can cause the same problem. Those with kidney failure, diabetes, or Addison's disease should only take potassium supplements under the careful supervision of a doctor.
Other side effects of potassium supplements may include stomach or intestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are thinking about potassium supplements. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-227-2345).
Which chemo are you on? Sometimes the chemo itself causes a low potassium.
Diane0 -
Low Potassiumcalifornia_artist said:Linda
I became aware recently that potasium is a limiting factor in cancer growth. right before I was first diagnosed with cancer, I had had blood work done and my potasium level was so low there was a message on machine from the lab to call them immediately. It can greatly affect the heart muscle and other things when it's low. It was 2. something.
anyway, if it low or especialllly if it's out of the normal range, you might ask your doctor for potasium pills for a bit to bring it up.
I'm sending this article cause I can't remember where I read that other information, just a made a huge mental note of it. I guess sending you articles is kinda silly, but what the heck.
Potassium
Other common name(s): none (Note that there are several brand names for prescription forms of this supplement)
Scientific/medical name(s): K, K+, potassium chloride (KCl), potassium citrate, potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate
Description
Potassium is an essential mineral found in most foods. Along with sodium and calcium, potassium helps regulate major body functions, including normal heart rhythm, blood pressure, water balance in the body, digestion, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and pH balance (the balance of acidity and alkalinity in the body). The body cannot make potassium on its own and must get it from foods. Potassium is found in foods such as apricots, potatoes, bananas, oranges, pineapples, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean meat. Most salt substitutes also contain large amounts of potassium. Potassium supplements may be prescribed by doctors for patients with imbalances in blood chemicals.
Overview
Potassium is a mineral that is required for the body to work normally. Most people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink. Available scientific evidence does not support claims that potassium supplements can prevent or treat cancer in humans. Excess potassium in the body can be toxic.
How is it promoted for use?
Some alternative medical practitioners maintain that low levels of potassium in the body may be linked to cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, and schizophrenia. Some proponents claim that a diet high in sodium and low in potassium promotes tumor growth by changing the normal pH and water balance in human cells.
What does it involve?
Most foods contain potassium, so people usually get plenty of potassium from what they eat and drink. Normally, the kidneys control the level of potassium in the blood and get rid of excess in the urine. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences has set Adequate Intake of potassium at 4.7 grams per day for most adults. No upper limit was set for potassium intake from foods. Still, those with kidney disease, Addison's disease, or those taking certain blood pressure medicines may need to consume less than the Adequate Intake of potassium.
Potassium supplements are needed only by those who have low levels of potassium in their blood, a condition known as hypokalemia. The causes of hypokalemia can include diarrhea and vomiting, diabetes, certain kidney diseases, excessive sweating, overuse of laxatives, and some types of diuretics. (Diuretics are drugs that remove water from the body through urine, or "water pills"). Use of potassium supplements can be dangerous unless carefully watched by health care providers. This may mean frequent blood tests to check potassium levels.
What is the history behind it?
In the 1930s, Max Gerson began developing a controversial dietary treatment for cancer known as the Gerson Diet Therapy (see Gerson Therapy). The cornerstone of his diet was the use of potassium supplements and low sodium intake. He claimed the diet could restore proper balance of salt and water within human cells and help stop tumor growth. However, this theory has not been supported by clinical or experimental data published in respected peer-reviewed journals.
What is the evidence?
Some animal and human studies have suggested that eating foods high in potassium and low in sodium might help prevent high blood pressure, or hypertension. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, also called the DASH diet, was designed to help control blood pressure. The DASH diet can reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease. It mainly works through weight loss, reduced salt intake, moderation in drinking alcohol (for those who drink), and eating foods that are rich in potassium. These measures are especially helpful in older people and in African Americans, although the exact reasons are uncertain. For people who already have high blood pressure, these measures can be used along with medicines to gain better control over blood pressure. This can help reduce risk of stroke and heart attack.
Some studies that observe large groups of people have found that in a number of countries where there are high-potassium diets, cancer rates are lower. In areas where there are low-potassium diets, these studies showed the cancer rates are higher. These types of studies, however, do not prove a direct connection, because there are many other factors involved. A few of these studies of individual potassium intake (rather than national averages) have found links with cancer risk. However, the main sources of potassium in foods are fruits and vegetables. This may mean that people with a diet high in potassium are at lower risk for cancer because of other compounds in these foods. Since fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins, phytochemicals, and other antioxidants, it may be that compounds besides potassium account for their helpful effects. When researchers look at large groups with different lifestyles and habits, it is also possible that their findings can be explained by other factors that were not examined.
Choosing foods from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans is likely to be healthier than eating large amounts of one type of food. The American Cancer Society's most recent nutrition guidelines recommend eating a balanced diet with an emphasis on plant sources, which includes:
•Five or more servings of vegetables and fruit each day
•Choosing whole grains over processed and refined grains
•Limiting processed meats and red meats
•Balancing calorie intake with physical activity to get to or stay at a healthy weight
•Limiting alcohol intake
One researcher has suggested a link between low potassium and high sodium levels in cells and an increased risk of cancer. But available scientific evidence does not support the idea that changes in dietary potassium intake have any impact on potassium concentrations inside cancer cells.
Are there any possible problems or complications?
This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce drugs (which must be tested before being sold), the companies that make supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease.
Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different batches of the same brand. In 2007, the FDA wrote new rules to improve the quality of manufacturing for dietary supplements and the proper listing of supplement ingredients. But these rules do not address the safety of the ingredients or their effects on health.
Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered incomplete.
Too much potassium supplement or salt substitute can cause potassium to build up in the blood, resulting in a condition known as hyperkalemia. The symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle paralysis, trouble breathing, and even heart failure and death. Severe kidney failure and Addison's disease (a hormone deficiency) may also cause hyperkalemia. But even people with normal kidneys can overdose on potassium if they take too many supplements at once.
People who are taking potassium-sparing diuretics (such as triamterene, amiloride, and spironolactone) can build up dangerously high potassium levels if they use potassium supplements or salt substitutes. The blood pressure medicines known as ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril) can cause the same problem. Those with kidney failure, diabetes, or Addison's disease should only take potassium supplements under the careful supervision of a doctor.
Other side effects of potassium supplements may include stomach or intestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are thinking about potassium supplements. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-227-2345).
Which chemo are you on? Sometimes the chemo itself causes a low potassium.
Diane0 -
That original post was from back in January.Songflower said:Low Potassium
Which chemo are you on? Sometimes the chemo itself causes a low potassium.
Diane
The original post is from 6 months ago, and I honestly can't remember now what chemo I was on but I think it was carboplatin, fractionated into weekly doses since it was dropping my blood counts so badly. I see on my calendar that I was getting Nuepogen shots 3 days a week then, too.
Anyway, my potassium has been in the normal range ever since, on my last 6 comprehensive metab panels. My oncologist said that loose bowels are usually the culprit when someone has low potassium, and if you get the bowels under control, potassium levels usually recover quickly. Clearly that was the case for me.
What brings these ancient posts back to the forefront? It's so confusing for everyone.0
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