Good potassium supplement

[momonmission99*]

I did a 40 minute cardio workout today. Kicked my out of shape butt! I have the firm wave. Man... I totally recommend this product to everyone!

I am so sore in my muscles. Not the "I've been working out sore" it's a totally different pain. I have also had some signs of low potassium off and on. The numbness in my arms and fingers. My feet and legs going numb when they normally wouldn't. I was also very sick to my stomach for a few days and even threw up one morning!

I really think I should try a supplement to be on the safe side and see if it alleviates some of these weird symptoms.

[SunnySmile501]

By law, potassium supplements only come in 99mg tablets and are poorly absorbed. They are okay to take on a regular basis, but when you need to get your potassium up quicker, you can use Morton Salt Substitute or NoSalt. This is pure potassium chloride, which will work quickly. I use the Morton Salt Substitute, which has 610mg of potassium per 1/4 teaspoon serving.

Also, getting in your veggies will help raise your potassium. Peppers and dark leafy greens have a lot of potassium as does all meats.

You might also be low on magnesium. Supplementing with magnesium helps with muscle recovery and electrolyte balance.

[blueberrylady]

I take potassium and a B-complex that helps me with leg cramps which I get if I don't take them at least twice a week.

Thanks for the info on the Morton Salt Substitute, Sunny. We've used it for years but I didn't realize that it was potassium. (I probably knew it before and just forgot).

[attagirl_]

thanks, sunny, for the great info. didn't know that about the salt, or certainly didn't think of it. will this reduce the leg cramps at night? they are always startling.

[SunnySmile501]

Originally Posted by attagirl_

thanks, sunny, for the great info. didn't know that about the salt, or certainly didn't think of it. will this reduce the leg cramps at night? they are always startling.

It should stop the cramps at night. Especially if you supplement magnesium. Magnesium is very important in muscle function. Most of the population is magnesium deficient.

[msanjelpie]

Potassium works with sodium to help regulate fluids in the cells, and to equalize the acid-alkaline balance in the blood. It is a key nutrient in maintaining the electrolyte balance which regulates heart and muscle contraction. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper fluid exchange.

Some dietary sources of potassium include avocados, legumes, carrots, salmon, and tunafish.

Magnesium is helpful in the prevention of muscle cramps and muscle spasms. In a clinical study, 500 mg of magnesium gluconate relieved muscle spasms (within a few days). Mineral losses through sweat and urine are increased during prolonged exercise. Low magnesium levels may negatively affect protein metabolism, and may result in diminished strength gains in a structured workout regimen.

Look for supplements that say they are chelated... the mineral is bound to a protein molecule which will increase its absorbability from the intestine.

Stay away from the word 'carbonate' it is poorly absorbed.

It's better to divide the minerals into smaller doses through the day, rather than one large dose at once (better absorption).

Simple dehydration can also be a cause for muscle cramping and fatigue related to exercise. So increasing your water can help as well...

I'm going to try a Magnesium Potassium Aspartate supplement. I found some at GNC.

It is a dual mineral salt in which magnesium, potassium and aspartate are administered as a single entity. In view of the improved uptake and bioavailability of both magnesium and potassium, when co-administered as aspartate.

Aspartate salts are believed to be mineral transporters to the metabolizing cells, aiding in the metabolic process by replenishing vital electrolytes thereby contributing to efficient energy production.

Hope this helps ya...

[attagirl_]

thanks to both of you...i just started taking a serious multivitamin which has all but the needed potassium (since there are fda limits). i will up my water and watch for foods that i can include that have potassium. i love avocados so that's no problem and i just bought a boatload of tuna, so....

so appreciative of all the great help that this whole board so willingly shares.

attagirl

[momonmission99*]

This is such helpful info! This and Peej's homemade gatorade should save me from miserable days and a possible heart attack. Scary stuff!

I've been doing my owl rung 1 with avocados. Not only because I LOVE them, but because they have a good amount of potassium in them. I had some tuna last night to help with my issues. I actually feel much better today. The normal "soreness" from working out.

I'm going to write all this stuff down on the paper with Peej's recipe and take it to a health food store and GNC. I'm also watching my potassium intake in fit day. I wasn't overly worried about it until I started working out.

Thank You everyone!