What evidence is there that potassium deficiency is a key precursor to thyroid disease?
• Adrenal hormones cortisol and aldosterone, which are increased during stress stimulate potassium excretion. • Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, a condition caused by potassium deficiency in which the body becomes rigid, is associated with hyperthyroidism. • The synthesis of muscle protein requires potassium and we see muscle wasting in hyperthyroidism. • The excessive use of salt depletes potassium and we see that hypers often have an intolerance for salt. • Coffee and sugar increase the excretion of potassium from the body and we’ve seen that decreasing or eliminating coffee and sugars, including fruits, helps hyperthyroidism recovery. • Physical activity increases potassium excretion and we’ve seen that many hypers have been exercising extensively before developing hyperT. “Extensive physical exertion for 3 hours a day can dissipate from 700 to 800 milligrams of potassium, which radiates out from sweat.” (Nutrition Almanac) • An early symptom of potassium deficiency is decreased hear
