Low Carb Diets and Potassium

In many cases, a low carb dieter must take potassium supplements. This could be due to the development of ketosis. (Ketosis is an acidic condition meaning excessive ketones in your blood stream). Another possibility is you are dehydrated. (Potassium deficiency accompanies dehydration). Two other possibilities are adaptation to ketosis or a decrease in food intake due to decreased appetite.

If dehydration is the cause, four to five weeks of adequate water intake should restore levels of potassium to normal. This type of reaction usually occurs only in those practicing an extremely low carbohydrate diet of 20g carbs daily. When the amount of calories you burn exceeds the amount of calories eaten, potassium concentration will increase, according to clinical observation. Currently, there is no RDA for potassium.

Over-the-counter potassium supplements usually contain 99 milligrams per tablet. The average American diet provides two to six grams of potassium per day, so you see how little you can get actually get with these supplements. If your doctor prescribed a potassium formula, do follow his or her recommendation.

With the following foods and plenty of water, your potassium intake should be sufficient.

• Fish, especially salmon, cod, flounder and sardines
• Meats
• Vegetables, particularly broccoli, tomatoes, potato skins, spinach, lettuce and parsley
• Fruits: Lemons, half of a tart green apple, a quarter of a grapefruit