Need Potassium! What Drinks Are Out There?

• turtleneckjoc...
  
  Posts: 4685
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 5:36 AM GMT

  I need some help here.....In June of 2010, I was diagnosed with having a mini-stroke while at work (my regular doctor has since refuted this since there is no heart issues in my family medical history).
  
  When I had bloodwork done, it was discovered my potassium count was really low and when given a tablet in the hospital, my energy level shot up and I was feeling better. Since that time, I have had difficulty maintaing my energy level and been plagued with some other post-hospitalization issues.
  
  When I think of it (which is bad, I know), I will buy one of the Naked protein drinks that has a considerable amount of postassium in it and the energy returns. Those are nearly $3.50 per bottle in my area and wondered if anyone out there knows of a potassium drink that has a high dosage of it and is reasonably priced.
  
  I cannot eat bananas by themselves as they wreck my stomach, but have them just fine in the banana pudding I make. Nutritional suppliments like the EAS drinks are really pricey here and I was able to find a good amount in a can of Slim Fast, but need something else.....
  
  Can you guys help me? Thank you!!!

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 6:23 AM GMT

  Buy potassium pills. Or if you prefer food..
  - Leafy greens.
  - Citrus juices. I sometimes buy Dole Orange Pineapple Banana juice.
  - Sports drinks. Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water, etc.
  
  Out of all of those I think the potassium pills are the most economical.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• turtleneckjoc...
  
  Posts: 4685
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:20 PM GMT

  Thanks for your input and I have purchased potassium tabs before from Whole Foods. They helped, but it took a while for me to feel any effects though.
  
  Gatorade helps however it tends to upset my stomach. Other than the Naked protein drink, is there anything else that is real low in citric acid with potassium??

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:22 PM GMT

  go online and do a search for beverages, juices with potassium. I know that orange juice has a ton of it.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:31 PM GMT

  Get your doctor to prescribe extended-release potassium tabs. I'm surprised he didn't, anyway -- assuming you are still testing low.
  
  I take them.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• turtleneckjoc...
  
  Posts: 4685
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:36 PM GMT

  ObsceneWish saidGet your doctor to prescribe extended-release potassium tabs. I'm surprised he didn't, anyway -- assuming you are still testing low.
  
  I take them.

  
  
  Good idea. Thanks. I have had round after round of labs done on me until the end of last year and the potassium levels were within "normal ranges." I still think a shortage in this causes me to be weak and tired all the time. People where I work say I have no color in my face and look "ghostly" sometimes. After drinking a can of Slim Fast or something, I feel and look better. Yeah, self-diagnosis I know, but....I need the input of the guys here.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• CuriousJockAZ
  
  Posts: 20063
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:38 PM GMT

  Eat bananas and drink coconut water

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:41 PM GMT

  bananas are super rich in potassium

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:42 PM GMT

  soy milk...

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:47 PM GMT

  NEVER take potassium supplements without medical supervision. excessive potassium levels will alter your heart rhythm faster than you can say 'dead'.
  
  We had a saying in school "flat P's, tall T's and wide QRS's" to describe the ECG changes that can occur. don't be a statistic.
  
  Although bananas do have potassium, you'd have to eat dozens to dent your level. Other foods are much richer. Google it.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• creature
  
  Posts: 5197
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 3:49 PM GMT

  I'll add my vote for bananas (although I know you're asking for drinks). A co-worker of mine was also diagnosed for having low potassium. She was given these giant pills which she diluted in water before taking it in.
  
  But after that one bottle of pills, she started adding bananas to her diet and has not had an issue.
  
  http://www.algaecal.com/potassium-rich-foods.html
  
  Let your doctor know about you any change to your diet to increase your potassium, especially given the risk as mentioned by rightasrain.

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 5:28 PM GMT

  turtleneckjock said

  ObsceneWish saidGet your doctor to prescribe extended-release potassium tabs. I'm surprised he didn't, anyway -- assuming you are still testing low.
  
  I take them.

  
  
  Good idea. Thanks. I have had round after round of labs done on me until the end of last year and the potassium levels were within "normal ranges." I still think a shortage in this causes me to be weak and tired all the time. People where I work say I have no color in my face and look "ghostly" sometimes. After drinking a can of Slim Fast or something, I feel and look better. Yeah, self-diagnosis I know, but....I need the input of the guys here.

  
  
  Hmmmm, placebo effect?
  
  

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM
• Posted by a hidden member.
  Log in to view his profile
  
  
  Feb 26, 2011 9:47 PM GMT

  Potassium
  
  What can high-potassium foods do for you?
  Help your muscles and nerves function properly
  

  • Maintain the proper electrolyte and acid-base balance in your body
    
  • Help lower your risk of high blood pressure

  
  What events can indicate a need for more high-potassium foods?

  • Muscle weakness
    
  • Confusion
    
  • Irritability
    
  • Fatigue
    
  • Heart problems
    
  • Chronic diarrhea
    
  • Regular, intense exercise
    
  • Use of certain diuretics

  
  
  Potassium is found abundantly in many foods, and is especially easy to obtain in fruits and vegetables. Excellent sources of potassium include chard, crimini mushrooms, and spinach.
  
  Read for lot more foods and health benefits: http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=90

  QUOTE REPORT SPAM