Tag: potassium

Osmosis…Water ALWAYS follows salt

Maybe you are not dehydrated. Maybe you have an electrolyte deficiency disorder that is preventing you from achieving sufficient levels of hydration no matter how much water you drink.

What would an electrolyte deficiency disorder look like you ask?

Electrolyte deficiencies can present with a variety of clinical symptoms, depending on which electrolyte is deficient. Here are some common electrolyte deficiency disorders and their clinical presentations:

1. Hyponatremia (Low Sodium)
Symptoms: Nausea, headache, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.
Causes: Excessive water intake, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and certain medications.

2. Hypernatremia (High Sodium)
Symptoms: Thirst, restlessness, irritability, muscle twitching, seizures, and coma.
Causes: Dehydration, excessive salt intake, diabetes insipidus, and certain medications.

3. Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)
Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Causes: Diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and certain medications.

4. Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, tingling, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Causes: Kidney failure, excessive potassium intake, certain medications, and tissue damage.

5. Hypocalcemia (Low Calcium)
Symptoms: Numbness and tingling in fingers, muscle cramps, spasms, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Causes: Vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and certain medications.

6. Hypercalcemia (High Calcium)
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Causes: Hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excessive vitamin D intake, and certain medications.

7. Hypomagnesemia (Low Magnesium)
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tremors, seizures, arrhythmias, and personality changes.
Causes: Alcoholism, malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, and certain medications.

8. Hypermagnesemia (High Magnesium)
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest.
Causes: Kidney failure, excessive magnesium intake, and certain medications.

9. Hypophosphatemia (Low Phosphate)
Symptoms: Weakness, bone pain, confusion, respiratory failure, and in severe cases, seizures and coma.
Causes: Malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetic ketoacidosis, and certain medications.

10. Hyperphosphatemia (High Phosphate)
Symptoms: Itching, joint pain, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, calcium deposits in tissues.
Causes: Kidney failure, excessive phosphate intake, and certain medications.

Each of these electrolyte imbalances can have serious consequences if not addressed promptly. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure electrolyte levels, and treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the deficiency or excess.

The Potassium Problem

Most people do not get enough potassium in their diets. It is estimated that LESS THAN 2% of Americans meet the recommended daily intake of 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day

Long-term subclinical hypokalemia, where potassium levels are slightly below the normal range but not low enough to cause obvious symptoms, can still have significant effects on the body. Here are some potential effects:

Cardiovascular System:

Arrhythmias: Even mild hypokalemia can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, as potassium is crucial for normal heart function.

Hypertension: Low potassium levels can contribute to high blood pressure.

Heart Failure: Chronic hypokalemia may exacerbate or contribute to heart failure in susceptible individuals.
Muscular System:

Muscle Weakness and Cramps: While severe hypokalemia causes significant muscle weakness, even subclinical levels can lead to mild muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue.

Rhabdomyolysis: In rare cases, prolonged mild hypokalemia can lead to muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis.
Renal System:

Kidney Function: Potassium is essential for kidney function, and long-term hypokalemia can impair the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, leading to polyuria (increased urination).

Nephropathy: Chronic hypokalemia can contribute to kidney damage and nephropathy over time.
Metabolic Effects:

Glucose Intolerance: Potassium plays a role in insulin secretion and function. Low potassium levels can lead to glucose intolerance and potentially increase the risk of diabetes.

Metabolic Alkalosis: Chronic hypokalemia can cause metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the body becomes too alkaline, leading to a variety of metabolic disturbances.

Neuromuscular Effects:

Fatigue: Persistent low potassium can lead to general fatigue and lethargy.
Neuropathy: Although less common, chronic hypokalemia may contribute to peripheral neuropathy.
Bone Health:

Osteoporosis: There is some evidence suggesting that chronic low potassium levels may contribute to bone demineralization and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Gastrointestinal System:

Constipation: Potassium is important for normal muscle contractions, including those in the gastrointestinal tract. Low levels can lead to decreased motility and constipation.

Potassium helps the brain send signals to the digestive system’s smooth muscles, which then contract to move food and aid digestion. Potassium channels also play a role in slow-wave production, gastric contraction, and acid secretion.

Potassium channels play a prominent role in gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells and slow-wave production. Potassium channels are involved in acid secretion and gastric contraction. Gastric functional problems such as reflux disease and motility disorder are classified as electrophysiological disorders.

The shortfall in potassium intake is largely due to dietary patterns that are low in fruits and vegetables, which are the primary sources of potassium. Increasing the consumption of potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and beans can help address this deficiency.

Energy, Frequency, Vibration, and Electrolytes.

Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They are essential for the proper functioning of the body’s cells and organs. The principal electrolytes in the human body are sodium, potassium, and chloride. An imbalance of electrolytes can lead to a variety of problems, including:

  1. Dehydration: An imbalance of electrolytes can disrupt the body’s fluid balance and cause dehydration. Electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, help regulate fluid balance in the body. An imbalance can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, and dizziness.
  2. Heart problems: An imbalance of electrolytes, particularly potassium, can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can cause muscle weakness and an irregular heartbeat, while high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can cause a slow or irregular heartbeat.
  3. Muscle weakness and cramping: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the way muscles function, leading to weakness and cramping.
  4. Nerve problems: An imbalance of electrolytes can affect the functioning of the nerves, leading to numerous symptoms. Particularly sodium, potassium, and calcium, are important for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. An imbalance of these electrolytes can cause muscle spasms, cramps, weakness, and twitching.
  5. Changes in blood pressure: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, leading to high or low blood pressure.
  6. Changes in mental status: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the brain and lead to symptoms such as confusion, lethargy, and seizures.
  7. Acid-base balance: Electrolytes, particularly bicarbonate, help regulate the acid-base balance in the body. An imbalance can cause acidosis (too much acid in the body) or alkalosis (too little acid in the body), which can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, and confusion.

The acid-base balance in the body is regulated by a variety of mechanisms, including the respiratory system and the kidneys. A diet that supports these systems can help maintain proper acid-base balance in the body. Here are some general dietary recommendations for maintaining acid-base balance:

Eat a varied diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in alkaline compounds that can help neutralize the acid in the body. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Limit intake of acidic foods: Certain foods, such as processed meats, caffeine, and alcohol, can increase acid production in the body. Limiting the intake of these foods can help maintain acid-base balance.

Get enough protein(amino acids): The body uses amino acids to help buffer acid in the body by neutralizing excess acid. Getting enough protein in the diet can help maintain an acid-base balance.

When the body produces excess acid, it can lead to a condition called acidosis. The body has several mechanisms for maintaining acid-base balance, including the respiratory system and the kidneys. However, the body can also use protein to help neutralize excess acid.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which can act as bases (substances that neutralize acid). When the body is in a state of acidosis, some of the amino acids in proteins can be converted into bases to neutralize excess acid. This process helps to maintain acid-base balance in the body.

It is important to maintain a balance of acid and base in the body, as an imbalance can lead to a variety of health problems. However, getting enough protein in the diet is also important to support various bodily functions, including maintaining acid-base balance.

Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is important for maintaining acid-base balance. Aim for 8-8 ounces of water per day.

Limit salt intake: A high-salt diet can disrupt acid-base balance and lead to dehydration. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

It is important to note that everyone’s dietary needs are different, and it is always good to seek the advice of a professional for personalized dietary recommendations.

Further reading about acidosis.

Acidosis is a condition in which the body has excess acid. A variety of factors, including respiratory problems, kidney problems, and certain medications, can cause it. Acidosis can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Breathing difficulties: Acidosis can cause respiratory problems, leading to difficulty breathing.

Confusion and coma: Acidosis can affect the brain and lead to symptoms such as confusion and coma.

Fatigue: Acidosis can cause fatigue and weakness.

Headache: Acidosis can cause headaches and dizziness.

Nausea and vomiting: Acidosis can cause digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting.

Rapid breathing: Acidosis can cause rapid breathing, which can lead to further respiratory problems.

Rapid heart rate: Acidosis can cause a rapid heart rate, which can lead to further cardiovascular problems.

It is important to address acidosis as soon as possible to prevent complications and restore acid-base balance in the body.

Fruit, Soups and Salads

This is a continuation of my previous writ “Why I Am No Longer a Raw Vegan.”

To further clarify my point. Because I would hate to see people walk away from a whole-food/plant-based diet when they don’t need to.

We can get enough of the right stuff in from a whole-food/plant-based diet, but we need to be sure to be getting ENOUGH of ALL in their organic forms. Calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, potassium, and sodium are the 6 most important electrolytes that our bodies need to function properly.

These electrolytes are minerals in our body that have an electric charge. They are in our blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids. Electrolytes are important because they help balance the amount of water in our bodies. Balance our body’s acid/base (pH) levels. Their job is to move nutrients into our cells and waste out those cells. They ensure that your brain, heart, skin, muscles, nerves work the way they are crafted to.

Our body cannot function properly if these are not being consumed in sufficient amounts. And if you get too many, our kidneys are there to remove any excesses. On the flip side, our body cannot make these on its own and has to work harder to correct the imbalances by lowering the levels of all the electrolytes across the board spending our vital energies and bodily fluids that could be used elsewhere.

The problem with a fruitarian, frugivore, or any other raw diet is that the so-called “approved,” selections oftentimes won’t provide enough of the required electrolytes for continuous optimal function resulting in disfunction. Not because there is something wrong with being a frugivore as some can do so successfully, but that most people on Earth live far enough outside of the temperate zones where there is plenty and often times find themselves eating more of one kind rather than a rich variety.

The kinds of foods that do contain ENOUGH of ALL the required electrolytes cannot be assimilated in their raw state. Hence, the suggestion to eat your vegetables in the form of a slow-cooked soup.

Pick any or all of our common fruits consumed on a typical raw vegan, frugivore, or fruitarian diet and go through the above listed 6 electrolytes and see how much each of those is found in sweet juicy fruits and gentle leafy greens. It should become obvious to anyone how problematic it would be and how difficult it would be to get enough from eating raw alone in most parts of the world we live in today. The only one you might get enough of is potassium.

Yet a homemade bowl of slow-cooked vegetable soup that contains dark leafy greens, legumes, lentils, and sweet potato for dinner a few nights a week would solve this problem sufficiently. The attached picture will give you an idea.
And to be clear, I am not suggesting the use of table salt. It is not necessary. But it sure does taste good.

Sodium is necessary for our muscles and nerves to function properly. It also helps by controlling the fluids in our body that impact blood pressure.

Chloride is important in that it balances out other electrolytes. It also balances acidity and alkalinity, maintaining healthy pH, and is essential for nutrient assimilation.

Potassium is important for overall muscle contraction which in turn also regulates our heart and blood pressure. It assists in the transmission of nerve impulses. It also contributes to bone health.

Magnesium is important to the production of what we call proteins; our body’s machinery that does most of the heavy lifting along with the instructions for those biological machines so that they can function properly in both stable and changing environments. The rhythm of our heart depends on it. It is a regulator of glucose levels in our blood and enhances our immune functions.

Calcium is important for strong bones and healthy teeth. It is an important regulator of nerve impulses and muscular movements. It also assists in the formation of blood clotting factors.

Phosphate enhances the work of calcium by strengthening bones and teeth. It also assists in the production of energy needed for soft tissue growth and repair.

Bicarbonate plays a key role in balancing our body’s pH levels while helping control electrical signaling at the cellular level in conjunction with sodium, potassium, and chloride.

*Why Am I No Longer a Raw Vegan?

Why am I no longer a raw vegan?

Simply put…Insufficient electrolytes and subsequent imbalances. Not enough of ALL of the needed electrolytes, with excesses of some, like potassium.

Water and electrolytes are essential to our health. Electrolytes take on a positive or negative charge when they dissolve in your body fluid. This enables them to conduct electricity and move electrical charges or signals throughout your body. These charges are crucial to many functions that keep you alive, including the operation of your brain, nerves, and muscles, and the creation of new tissue.

Simply put, bad things happen over long frames of time that often go unnoticed because of the slow crawl towards the disease states of these deficiencies.

I am not suggesting salting your foods by any means. But I am suggesting looking at the ways to get ENOUGH of ALL of the needed electrolytes for OPTIMAL human functionality and longevity of years.

And a raw vegan diet in my humble opinion is not a way to accomplish that end.

I intend to attend my birthday at 120 years with a body that looks and feels no more than a robust 34. And I will do what it takes to get there. Even admitting when I have been wrong in practice.

See you in 2092.