| This difference highlights the advantages of using foods or food-based potassium supplements to meet the human body's high potassium requirements rather than pills.
Dosage Information for Magnesium
Many nutritional experts feel that the ideal intake for magnesium should be based on body weight (6 mg/2.2 pounds of body weight). For a 110-pound person, the recommendation would be 300 mg; for a 154pound person, 420 mg, and for a 200-pound person, 540 mg. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
 Remarkably, the greatest benefit was seen among men who had a history of high blood pressure and were taking potassium supplements along with diuretics. Their risk was slashed by a whopping 64 percent.
Even if you can't seem to get your blood pressure down all that much, potassium still offers protection, Dr. Young says. In the arteries, for instance, it helps stop the buildup of cholesterol-laden plaque. "We believe it does this by interfering somehow with the action of certain immune cells, called macrophages, that attack LDL in the blood vessel wall," Dr. Young says. |
Bill Gottlieb
See book keywords and concepts |
 If you choose to take potassium supplements, do so only under the supervision of your doctor.
Simple Exercises Can Relieve Neck and Shoulder Pain
You're sitting there quietly, reading a book, when someone sneaks up behind you and says "BOO!!!" You're startled, of course. In fact, scientists would say that you had a "startle response": your neck muscles tightened, your shoulders lifted, and you breathed (gasped, really) from high in your chest. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
See book keywords and concepts |
 In a thtee-week study of 87 African-American men and women at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, researchers took blood pressure measurements, divided the group in half, then gave potassium supplements of 3,120 milligrams a day to one group and placebos (fake pills) to the other.
The result? Systolic blood pressure, the top numbet in a blood ptessute reading, went down an avetage of 6.9 points in the people who teceived the supplements. Diastolic pressure, the bottom numbet, went down an avetage of 2.5 points. |
J. Robert Hatherill
See book keywords and concepts |
 S. Ram. potassium supplements for hypertension. N Engl J Med 1990; 322:623-624. partly because of its effects on the blood, has aspirin been found to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers. It is now believed that women can help prevent breast cancer by taking aspirin every three days. Human studies show that aspirin decreases both colon and rectal cancers. In fact the American Cancer Society reports that colon cancer death rates are 50 percent lower in people who use aspirin regularly. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Magnesium, L-carnitine, and potassium supplements are also indicated for arrhythmias.
°^ Atherosclerosis
When cholesterol and other fatty substances go through an oxidation process in the arteries, they begin to damage blood vessel walls. As a result, plaque builds up as your immune system reacts to what's going on inside the blood vessel. If this process continues undeterred, it can lead to the blocked condition commonly called "hardening of the arteries" or atherosclerosis. |
Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 That should be enough to prevent potassium-induced arrhythmias, but if it isn't, there are many potassium supplements available in liquid and tablet form.
Alcohol, especially in large amounts, can induce or worsen a cardiac rhythm disturbance. Regardless of your tolerance to alcohol, "spree" drinking will get you into trouble—even if you have never experienced an arrhythmia before. Since such drinking usually occurs on weekends and holidays, the term "holiday heart" was coined. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
See book keywords and concepts |
| Talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements if you have kidney problems or diabetes. to come up with the kind of scientific proof that most doctors insist on before recommending something as effective.
"We found out by accident that women taking a multivitamin/mineral formula for premenstrual problems had a reduction, or sometimes a complete abatement, of their Meniere's or tinnitus symptoms," says Susan J. Seidel, an otologist (hearing specialist) at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. |
| People taking potassium-sparing diuretics or who have kidney disease or diabetes should not use potassium supplements of any kind without first consulting their doctors.
Leg Cramps
Stopping the Squeeze
Troubled by a series of health problems that included an excruciating, wake-you-up-out-of-a-sound-sleep case of leg cramps, Geraldine Young got some interesting advice from, of all people, her surgeon: "Take 400 international units of vitamin E a day, and let's see what happens."
You can probably guess the test. |
| People taking potassium-sparing diuretics or who have kidney disease or diabetes should not use potassium supplements without first consulting their doctors.
Some doctors recommend taking no more than 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 without medical supervision. Large doses have been associated with nerve damage. Stop taking B6 if you develop numbness in your hands or feet or unsteadiness in walking. deficiency or asked about their intakes of B6-rich foods such as fish, bananas and nuts. (Studies show that in the United States, both men and women get less than the Daily Value of 2 milligrams of B6. |
| People who have kidney problems or diabetes should check with their doctors before taking potassium supplements.
If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, you should not take vitamin E supplements .
Although eating food is absolutely essential to pteventing the damage that eating disorders can do to the body, some doctors believe that vitamin and mineral supplements can expedite the process of tecovety and healing. |
Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
See book keywords and concepts |
 Researchers in Sweden have ob-
Potentially Dangerous Nutrient/Nutrient Interactions
Potassium and Vitamin B12
Relatively few doctors or patients are aware that prescription potassium supplements such as K-Dur, K-Tab, Micro-K, and Slow-K can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 This vitamin is stored in the body and does not become depleted quickly, so a short course of potassium therapy poses little cause for concern. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
See book keywords and concepts |
| People with diabetes or kidney disease should consult their doctors before taking potassium supplements, as should people on certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors and heart medicines such as heparin.
Riboflavin
Daily Value: 1.7 milligrams
Qood Food Sources: Poultry, fish, fortified grains and cereals, broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, spinach, yogurt, milk, cheeses
Riboflavin will probably never bathe in the nutritional spotlight like vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin E. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
| 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. Tobian combines a potassium-rich diet with supplements if necessary.
If you take a multivitamin that contains riboflavin, you may have noticed that your urine takes on a yellow-green glow soon after you pop the supplement. Whenever an excess of this B vitamin is excreted, you're likely to detect that mysterious glow. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 This can generate some of the symptoms associated with low potassium; most people are helped rapidly with potassium supplements or potassium-rich foods. People who consume excess sodium can lose extra urinary potassium, and people who eat lots of sugar also may become low in potassium.
Fatigue is the most common symptom of chronic potassium deficiency. Early symptoms include muscle weakness, slow reflexes, and dry skin or acne; these initial problems may progress to nervous disorders, insomnia, slow or irregular heartbeat, and loss of gastrointestinal tone. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Studies have shown that taking potassium supplements significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Be aware that it is important to reduce sodium in the diet while increasing potassium. This is done by avoiding foods high in sodium, such as processed and packaged foods, canned foods, crackers, cheeses, and luncheon meats.
A number of people with high blood pressure have salt sensitivity. This means that even a small amount of sodium will drive up their blood pressure. (Other important vitamins and minerals to include for hypertension are calcium, magnesium, CoQ10, and vitamin C. |
| Studies have shown that taking potassium supplements significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure." Cappucio FP et al, Does potassium supplementation lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of published trials. / Hypertens 1991; 9:465-473.
• "... An 8-year study of 43,738 men, ages 40 to 75, found that those who consumed the highest amount of potassium ... had a reduced risk of stroke." Ascherio A et al, Intake of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber and risk of stroke among US men. Circulation 1998 Sep 22; 98(12):1198-1204.
PRAYER
• "... According to Dr. Larry Dossey,... |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
See book keywords and concepts |
 Some soft drinks contain potassium gluconate which has a less bitter taste than some other potassium supplements. Salt substitutes are high in potassium.
Potassium-rich foods and drinks are the best ways to increase potassium intake. |
| However, overdoses with oral potassium supplements in those with normal renal function have been reported. For example, a 46 year-old woman ingested 31 grams of potassium chloride in a suicide attempt and developed severe hyperkalemia associated with life-threatening arrhythmias. The woman died two weeks later as a result of cerebral anoxia during cardiopulmonary arrest. Oral doses greater than 18 grams of potassium taken at one time may lead to severe hyperkalemia 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.
Potassium sparing diuretics (amiloride, triamterene, spironolactone): The concomitant administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic and a potassium supplement can produce severe hyperkalemia. |
| DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The use of potassium supplements in those with potassium deficiency requires medical supervision.
There are several potassium supplemental forms available, including potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium aspartate and potassium orotate.
Multivitamin, multimineral supplements do not contain more than 99 milligrams of potassium per serving. One milliequi-valent or millimole is equal to 39.09 milligrams.
High-potassium (up to 800 milligrams per serving), low-sodium vegetable juices are available. |
Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |
 However, potassium supplements should not be taken without a doctor's advice.
Selenium_
Selenium's primary function in your body is as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from being destroyed. It plays a vital role in your enzyme system, and is necessary for the manufacture of prostaglandins, which control blood pressure and clotting. Selenium is needed to protect your eyes against cataracts, contributes to protein production, and protects the artery walls from plaque.
Animal foods tend to have more selenium than plants. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 mamtaining fluid balance in the cells and regulating how much water the cells hold. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 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. A study at the University of Naples, Italy, concluded that increasing the dietary potassium intake from natural foods is an effective way to reduce the need for medication to lower blood pressure. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Over-the-counter potassium supplements usually contain 99 mg. per tablet. Prescription potassium is usually measured in milli-equivalents (meq.); 1 meq. equals about 64 mg. About 10-20 meq. (640-1280 mg.) per day may be recommended as a supplement to the individual's diet.
The inorganic potassium salts are found as the sulfate, chloride, oxide, or carbonate. Organic salts are potassium gluconate, fumarate, or citrate. These organic molecules are normally part of our cells and body tissues. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Placebo controlled trial of potassium supplements in black patients with mild essential hypertension. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1989; 14: 294-296
23. Patki PS, Singh J, Gokhale SV et al. Efficacy of potassium and magnesium in essential hypertension: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Br J Med 1990; 301: 521-523
24. Fotherby MD, Potter JF. Potassium supplementation reduces clinic and ambulatory blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients. J Hypertension 1992; 10: 1403-1408
25. Thijs L, Amery A, Birkenhager W et al. |
| This difference highlights the advantages of using foods or food-based potassium supplements to meet the human body's high potassium requirements rather than pills.
Potassium supplementation is relatively safe, except for patients with kidney disease. Their inability to maintain appropriate potassium homeostasis may result in heart arrhythmias and other consequences of potassium toxicity. |
| However, the FDA restricts the amount of potassium available in OTC potassium supplements to a mere 99 mg/dose because of problems associated with high-dosage prescription potassium salts, yet so-called salt substitutes such as the popular brands NoSalt and Nu-Salt are in fact potassium chloride and provide 530 mg of potassium per 1/6 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. |
| 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 any excess of potassium, those with diabetes and kidney disease do not handle potassium normally 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. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
See book keywords and concepts |
 Those with kidney failure should stay away from potassium-rich foods and potassium supplements, except as advised by their physicians. Those hypertensives who wish to try supplementary potassium to treat their blood pressure should do so under a physician's supervision.
Selenium
I. OVERVIEW: The Anti-Aging/Anti-Cancer Element
Selenium is an essential trace mineral required by the body in minute quantities. |
Email this page to a friend
