This blog is a way of sharing the information and resources that have helped me to recover my son Roo from an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What I have learned is to view our symptoms as the results of underlying biological cause, which can be identified and healed. I say "our symptoms" because I also have a neuro-immune disorder called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

And, of course, I am not a doctor (although I have been known to impersonate one while doing imaginative play with my son)- this is just our story and information that has been helpful or interesting to us. I hope it is helpful and interesting to you!


Friday, August 13, 2021

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals that dissolve in water and allow it to conduct electricity.  These minerals include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride.  Potassium is the one that we need the most of by far- 4 to 5 grams per day.  Cells have an enzyme on their surface called the sodium potassium pump which provides energy for cellular functions and these pumps require a lot of potassium to function properly.  One-third of the energy from the food we eat goes to power these pumps.  If these pumps aren't working well, muscle cells can't get enough calcium in to relax the muscle and this causes muscle cramps.  Nerve cells need these pumps for the energy to pass signals along.  These pumps regulate fluid levels in the body so if they are not working well it can cause dehydration.  

Common symptoms of potassium deficiency include- general fatigue, muscle fatigue and weakness, muscle cramping, heart arrhythmia and missed beats, fluid retention and edema, constipation, high blood pressure, high insulin levels, anxiety, insomnia, and inadequate stomach acid (which is needed to absorb minerals).  Inadequate dietary intake of potassium is a common cause of potassium deficiency.  Other causes include vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, some blood pressure medications, alcohol consumption, surgery (from the stress of the surgery), emotional stress (stress on adrenals creates loss of potassium through urine), and drinking too much water (Hypotremia) because it dilutes electrolytes.  Excessive sugar in the diet can also lead to a potassium deficiency because it can lead to insulin resistance, and insulin is needed for cells to absorb nutrients in general (this means that people with diabetes can sometimes reduce their need for insulin by increasing intake of potassium).  

Approx 98% of the potassium in the body is in the cells so a deficiency has to be extreme before it shows up on blood tests.  There is an intracellular test that is more accurate but it is not widely known about.  

Sodium and potassium are inversely related.  The primary source of sodium in the Standard American Diet is fast food and restaurant food (also processed foods).  There is no RDA for potassium.  Americans are generally encouraged to get between 4 and 5 grams per day.  Fruits, vegetables, and some fish are the best natural sources of potassium.

Potassium and sodium levels need to be in balance.  The body tends to hold on to salt more than it holds on to potassium.  Potassium functions as the "relaxer"; it lowers blood pressure by getting rid of excess sodium.  Potassium is needed to metabolize and make proteins (especially connective tissue), stabilizes blood sugar and reduces cravings, helps cardiac function and reduces arrhythmia and palpitations, helps sleep.  We need about 1000mg sodium and more like 4.7g of potassium (ratio of about 1 to 4) every day.  High fat and low carb diets such as Keto can cause potassium to get low, so it's important to eat enough vegetables and fruits to meet the higher potassium needs when following those diets. 

POTASSIUM CONTENT OF COMMON FOODS-
 
Baked potato with skin on                            950mg potassium in 6oz/170g
Orange sweet potatoes                                  840mg potassium in 6oz/170g
Beet root                                                       230mg potassium in 2.5oz/70g
Beet greens                                                   655mg potassium in 1/2 cup/2.5oz/70g
Avocado                                                        490mg potassium in 100g (half of one medium avocado)
Halibut                                                          490mg potassium in 4oz/113g
Swiss chard                                                   960mg/cup
Lentil soup                                                    460mg potassium in 1 cup/240ml
Spinach                                                         830mg/cup
Winter squash                                               900mg/cup
Banana                                                          420mg potassium in 1 medium fruit/120g
Tomato sauce                                                420mg potassium in 1/2 cup/120ml
Salmon                                                          435mg potassium in 4oz/113g
Tilapia                                                           430mg potassium in 4oz/113g
Split pea soup (made with potatoes)             390mg potassium in 1 cup/240ml
Green peas                                                    350mg potassium in 1 cup/140g
Black beans                                                  305mg potassium in 1/2 cup/85g
Tomatoes                                                      290mg potassium in one medium tomato/120g
Peanuts (dry roasted)                                    280mg potassium in 1.5oz/34g
Oranges                                                        230mg potassium in 1 medium orange/130g
Orange juice                                                 250mg potassium in 4oz/120ml
Peanut butter                                                210mg potassium in 2 tablespoons/30ml/32g
Carrots (raw)                                                205mg potassium in 1/2 cup/65g

 Disorders of Electrolyte Imbalance

Hypokalemia-Induced Abnormal Movements: Case Report




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