Do I need extra potassium on a low carb diet?
Do I need extra potassium on a low carb diet?Answer: Although a low carb diet, followed as is usually recommended, generally supplies ample amounts of potassium, the first week or so can cause potassium stores be lower. This is because glycogen (which is how the body stores carbohydrate), is depleted at first, and is bound with potassium. Repeated rapid shifting of carbohydrate intake (repeatedly depleting and replenishing glycogen) could further diminish potassium levels. Mostly likely, people who have been eating a potassium-rich diet won’t be bothered by this, but there are exceptions. The scientists at the National Academy of Sciences have increased their potassium recommendation from 3500 to 4700 mg per day. This is because getting more potassium seems to help some people with high blood pressure and possibly insulin resistance. Many p
