Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
See book keywords and concepts |
 Taking potassium supplements with meals may reduce these adverse reactions. Rashes are occasionally reported. The most serious adverse reaction is hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is rare in those with normal renal function.
INTERACTIONS
DRUGS
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolaprll): ACE inhibitors will produce some potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. potassium supplements should be given to those receiving ACE inhibitors only with close monitoring. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
See book keywords and concepts |
| Since potassium supplements may cause problems of their own, including diarrhea and nausea, eating a potassium-rich diet is the best way to maintain healthy potassium levels. Most fresh fruits and vegetables contain potassium. Those highest in potassium are bananas, apples, avocados, lima beans, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupes, and apricots. Fish and meats also contain potassium.
Sufficient magnesium is essential for healthy blood pressure. It plays a key role, with sodium and potassium, in maintaining fluid balance in the cells and regulating how much water the cells hold. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Remember, a diet rich in potassium and low in sodium will require a much lower dosage of potassium supplements. Consult a nutrition-oriented doctor to find the dosage of potassium that is correct for you.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
Some people should never take potassium unless they are advised to do so by their doctor. If you have kidney disease, you should not take potassium supplements without specific instructions from your doctor. |
H. Winter Griffith, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Pregnancy:
Consult with your doctor before taking potassium supplements, as they may pose a significant risk to your unborn child. Risk category D (see page xviii).
Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
Infants & children:
Use only under doctor's supervision.
Prolonged use:
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check serum potassium levels. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
 The authots concluded that potassium supplements may also be beneficial, but because of potential risks, use of potassium should be carefully monitored (Ascherio et al. 1998).
Selenium. Selenium is a ttace mineral that is involved in the synthesis of glutathione peroxidase, a key detoxification enzyme. A study examined the association between serum selenium concentration and 5-yeat risk of cardiovascular disease in 1110 men aged 55-74 years in two rural areas of Finland. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
 While potassium from foods has not been associated with any ill effects, the same can't be said for potassium supplements. "You can kill yourself if you take too much potassium," Dr. Tobian says.
Prescription supplements do offer more potassium, but amounts need to be carefully monitored with blood tests, Dr. Tobian says. People might need prescription potassium supplements if they are taking diuretics that deplete potassium. For his patients with high blood pressure, those who have had strokes, or those who have family histories of stroke, Dr. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
See book keywords and concepts |
 Forms of potassium supplements include potassium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, potassium aspartate and potassium orotate. Those who take diuretics should have their potassium status monitored periodically and use potassium supplements as recommended by their physicians. It is important to note that many on weight-reducing diets may be using diuretics (herbal or otherwise) that they obtain without a physician's prescription. Those individuals should also have their potassium status regularly monitored.
For diuretic users, an extra 1. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 American Heart Association's 67th Scientific Sessions in Dallas, showed reduced blood pressure in forty-three African Americans who took potassium supplements for three weeks. In contrast, average blood pressure in forty-four healthy African Americans who received a placebo did not change. Given the fact that potassium is safe and inexpensive, I think it makes sense for everyone with even borderline high blood pressure to take potassium supplements, but it is of special importance for African Americans.
Potassium may also help people who are already taking drugs for hypertension. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Taking potassium supplements with licorice is advised. Deglycyrrhizinated or DGL licorice avoids the side effects of this herb.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
This shrub yields berries that were used for hundreds of years by Native Americans. Today saw palmetto has been scientifically and clinically proven effective for both prostate conditions in men and hormonal conditions in women. Typical dosage: 320 milligrams of capsules standardized to 85 to 95 percent fatty acids, per day.
St. |
Michael Janson, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 However, people taking certain diuretics or those eating a large amount of salt may need potassium supplements.
Appendix 2
Resources
If you need further advice from a health- or nutrition-oriented professional, mere is a growing body of physicians who can help you. The number of medical doctors interested in this field is increasing rapidly. The membership in the American College for Advancement in Medicine, for example, has doubled to more than 725 in the past few years, and most of the members are experienced in dietary supplements. |
Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Persons who use diuretics often, who are generally rundown, or have a known potassium deficiency, should use caution when using any diuretic product, and should definitely take potassium supplements.
4. Avoid sodium rich diets.
5. Frequent consultation with your physician is recommended to adjust insulin-intake requirements, as this blend may significantly reduce necessary insulin supplementation.
Diabetes is a defect in carbohydrate metabolism that results from insufficient pancreatic insulin production. |
| The WHOLE BODY TONIC blend, and potassium supplements should probably be taken in conjunction with this product.
LICORICE ROOT'S role in treating hypoglycemia is to increase the effectiveness of glucocorticoids (adrenal hormones) circulating in the liver, and to mimic the action of these hormones itself (1-2). This mechanism would work in cases of low blood sugar brought on by adrenal stress. In a classical example, a person subjects himself to vigorous physical work, poor nutrition and other extremely stressful circumstances. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 A meta-analysis involving nineteen clinical trials found that oral potassium supplements significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with the strongest effects seen in patients with high blood pressure. A mild hypotensive effect following high potassium intake (72 mmol/day) coupled with moderate sodium restriction over a period of six weeks was found in young patients with hypertension. Daily supplementation with 65 mmol of potassium chloride salt over a six-week period significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive black females. |
Prevention Magazine
See book keywords and concepts |
 In one study, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore gave 87 African-American men either potassium supplements or blank pills. Those who were given the potassium saw their systolic pressure (the higher number) drop almost 7 points, while their diastolic pressure went down almost 3 points. While the amount of potassium given in the study was quite high—you would have to eat about 3 cups of raisins to get the same amount—smaller amounts are also beneficial. Just lA cup of raisins contains 272 milligrams of potassium, almost 8 percent of the Daily Value (DV). |
Larry Trivieri, Jr.
See book keywords and concepts |
 For acute and chronic muscle spasm: Calcium, magnesium, and potassium supplements, as well as lobelia herb or homeopathic topical creams containing calendula, arnica, and ivy extracts can relieve spasm. "Calcium-magnesium supplements should be taken for muscle relaxation, particularly in instances where there's muscle spasm and twitching," Dr. Lewis adds. He recommends 500 mg of a calcium-magnesium supplement daily, preferably in a citrate form, because it allows for much better absorption. |
Kathi Keville
See book keywords and concepts |
 Most pharmaceutical diuretics pull potassium out of the body, creating a harmful imbalance that requires you to take potassium supplements. But dandelion and corn silk contain high amounts of potassium and even help the body retain this important mineral. Studies have shown that dandelion is as effective as the often-prescribed diuretic drug Frusemide. If you want to collect your own dandelion leaves and roots and corn silk, go right ahead. Just make sure they have not been sprayed with pesticides! |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Results of this meta-analysis involving 19 clinical trials found that oral potassium supplements significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results indicated that such effects were greatest in patients with high blood pressure.
—F.P. Cappuccio & G.A. MacGregor, "Does Potassium Supplementation Lower Blood Pressure? A Meta-analysis of Published Trials," Journal of Hypertension, 9(5), May 1991, p. 465-473. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| A wide range of conditions and medications must not be combined with potassium supplements.
ž Fish oil. Combine this easily obtainable supplement with vitamin E (or increase your consumption of cold-water fish) and you've got a potent heart tonic. Typical dosage: 100 to 400 milligrams per day.
Herbal Remedies
Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum)
This South Pacific root can ease the anxiety that is a major cause of cardiac arrhythmias. And while kava-kava does produce relaxation, it doesn't have the side effects that pharmaceutical sedatives often do. |
Gayle Reichler, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Potassium-Rich Foods
Food
Serving
Potassium (mg)
Banana
1 large size
451
Cantaloupe
1 cup
494
Dried prunes
5
313
Figs
5
666
Kidney beans
'A cup
357
Potatoes
1 large size
844
Raisins y, cup
563
Spinach
'A cup
419
Swiss chard
'A cup
483
CAUTION: Please consult your physician before taking potassium supplements. If you take prescription medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to lower your blood pressure, or if you have impaired kidney function, heart disease, or diabetes, taking extra potassium can be dangerous. |
Doug Dollemore, Mark Giuliucci and the Editors of Men's Health Magazine
See book keywords and concepts |
 Check with your doctor before taking potassium supplements. Too much may aggravate kidney problems.
Meet your magnesium needs. Researchers seem to have found a link between low magnesium intake and high blood pressure. But just how much magnesium you need to combat high blood pressure remains unclear. For now, Dr. DiBianco says, your best bet is to get the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of about 350 milligrams.
Unfortunately, America's intake of magnesium has been dropping for a century, since we started processing foods and robbing them of their trace elements. |
Carol Krucoff and Mitchell Krucoff, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 If you are taking diuretics for your blood pressure, consult your physician about taking sea salt or potassium supplements.
* Maintain adequate intake of dietary calcium and magnesium from foods such as low- and nonfat dairy products and whole grains, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans.
* Stop smoking and reduce intake of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol for overall cardiovascular health. |
Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Over-the-counter potassium supplements generally don't provide much potassium, so a good bet is to eat high-potassium foods: lots and lots of green leafy vegetables. Vegetable juice is better than orange juice, which is high in potassium but also high in fruit sugar, which may lead to sugar imbalance and Syndrome X. For the same reason, greens are better than high-potassium but high-calorie bananas and citrus fruits. |
| This is why when people take diuretics, they're advised to also take potassium supplements, and magnesium supplements, which are just as important, because magnesium helps to reduce arrhythmias and also to keep the potassium levels high. Another problem with diuretics is that they raise cholesterol levels but lower HDL levels. These are serious considerations, above and beyond the simply annoying side effects, such as fatigue. While diuretics used to be the favored drugs of first resort, and are extremely cheap into the bargain, they've now fallen in popularity. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
 The best way to supplement potassium is with fruit, which contains more of the mineral than amounts found in potassium supplements. However, fruit contains so much potassium that people taking "potassium sparing" drugs (as some hypertensives do) can end up with too much potassium by eating several pieces of fruit per day. Therefore, people taking potassium-sparing diuretics should consult the prescribing doctor before increasing fruit intake. The fiber (p. 293) provided by vegetarian diets may also help reduce high blood pressure. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 If you are unsure about the type of blood-pressure medication you are taking, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking potassium supplements.
¦ People who are deficient in vitamin C are more likely to have high blood pressure than are those who maintain an adequate intake of this important vitamin. Take 1,000 milligrams twice daily.
HERBAL TREATMENT
¦ Garlic can help to bring down blood pressure. This ancient herb also helps to decrease excessive levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, which protects the heart. Take 500 milligrams three times daily. |
Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Adding potassium supplements to whatever medication you are taking for your high blood pressure can reduce the required dosage of those drugs by 50 percent. Despite all the data mentioned above, the importance of potassium (as well as calcium and magnesium—see below) is not sufficiently emphasized by most doctors, who continue to focus on sodium.
If you conscientiously consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day, your risk of developing high blood pressure will drop by as much as 40 percent. But you are better off getting it in your food than in supplements. |
Paul Pitchford
See book keywords and concepts |
 For example, if blood pressure is high because of excessive salt intake, one of the first remedies in Western allopathic medicine is to use potassium supplements while restricting salt.
All potassium-rich foods can be used to balance conditions that result from excess salt consumption. High concentrations of potassium are found in every vegetable and especially in green leafy vegetables, all types of potatoes (with skins), soy products, millet and other grains, and legumes; also in bananas and most other fruits. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
| The Daily Value for potassium is 3,500 milligrams, but food gives most people what they need. potassium supplements in amounts higher than 99 milligrams per tablet are available only by prescription. Too much potassium is as bad as too little, so it is essential that you work with your doctor if you need supplemental potassium to control your heartbeat, Dr. Sueta says.
Magnesium Keeps the Beat
When magnesium levels in the heart are low, people can develop certain types of heart arrhythmia. Some of them are potentially dangerous, Dr. Sueta says. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 This highlights the advantages of using vegetable juices, foods, or food-based potassium supplements to meet the human body's potassium requirements.
While most people can handle an excess of potassium, those with diabetes and kidney disease do not handle potassium in the normal way, and are more likely to experience heart disturbances and other consequences of potassium toxicity. Individuals with kidney disorders usually need to restrict their potassium intake. |
| However, the FDA restricts the amount of potassium available in OTC potassium supplements to a mere 99 mg per dose because of problems associated with high-dosage prescription potassium salts. However, so-called salt substitutes, such as the popular brands NoSalt and Nu-Salt, are in fact potassium chloride at a dosage of 530 mg of potassium per one-sixth teaspoon! The prescription and OTC supplements are either potassium salts (chloride and bicarbonate), potassium bound to various mineral chelates (e.g., aspartate, citrate, etc.), or food-based potassium sources. |
Email this page to a friend
