No potassium in my system - Why?

Question

went to the hospital for 1 reason and had an urine test (which for the most part is a normal part of the course) and the result came back stating that I had NO POTASSIUM in my system - what could cause that? what do I have to worry about?

Answer 1

All I have to say about these other responses is "blah blah blah".

You need some potassium for all of your cells to function correctly. You don't have any because you aren't eating any fruits or vegetables and are drinking a lot of fluids which are carrying away the little potassium you are getting. So, eat fruits and veggies every day, any kind, but as everyone knows bananas have a lot and most people like them.  

Answer 2

do you get alot of muscle cramps?

just eat a sh*t load of bananas.  

Answer 3

I don't know, but bananas are high in potassium...maybe u should start eating them

Answer 4

Kidney disorders, diarrhea, and the use of diuretics or laxatives all disrupt potassium levels.  The potassium deficiency however can also be as a result of your diet

.

In general once you eat more of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nut, seed, and grains, you would not have a problem.

However you might want to know what will help you restore your potassium level.

Sources of potassium are:

apricots, avocados, bananas, black strap molasses, brewer's yeast, dulse, dates, figs, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, torula yeast, plantain, broccoli, whole grains, and yams.

It is noteworthy that in bananas and plantains, most of the potassium is located in the seeds (the dark spots in the center of the fruit)  It follows that the very riped fruit would carry more potassium.

In potatoes, potassium is found immediately under the thin layer of skin.  Therefore in order to get the benefit of this mineral one would need to cook the potato in its skin, or use the skin to make potato broth.  

Answer 5

i don't know why...this can turn into something serious though...try eating bananas...they r high in potassium...good luck!  

Answer 6

You would have had potassium in your system or you would be dead at the moment.  That is one of the electrolytes you have to have for a normal heartbeat.  Potassium is normally excreted in small amounts in the urine, and not detecting any may suggest you either have low levels or something is interfering with the balance.  Your doctor would be the best one to advise you on this, as potassium levels can be affected by medications and other things like kidney function.  If he thinks the test was accurate, he may have you do a 24 hour urine test to determine what level of potassium you actually are putting out, and some blood tests to check on the actual levels floating around inside you.  I assure you, you do have some- it's just a question of how much.  The rest you need to talk over with your doctor.

Answer 7

if you had NO potassium in your system you would die, it is necessary for the heart to function. Routine urinalysis do not screen for potassium.

http://www.drstandley.com/labresults_uri...

Answer 8

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/foodnu...

You might find this article helpful.

"Potassium is involved in nerve function, muscle control and blood pressure."

I have heard from people that the following symptoms may be due to lack of potassium:

1.) Unusual cramping and Charlie horses.

2.) Feet falling asleep is another indication of low potassium.

You posted on the diabetes forum. I am assuming you have this condition. Avocadoes are great for diabetics. It has a high amount of fiber, a little protein, and a lot of fat. It helps maintain sugar levels and hunger. It also contains 60% MORE potassium than a banana!