What triggers attacks?
Some episodes of HyperKPP are triggered by food. Food triggers are generally those which are high in potassium. Fruits high in potassium include cantelopes, apricots (fresh and dried) dried figs, kiwi fruit, peaches, raisins, banana and prunes. Fruit juices are high in potassium, especially orange and pineapple juice and apricot and peach nectars. High potassium vegetables include artichoke, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, tomato juice”347;puree and V-8 juice. Lentils and beans are high in potassium. Other foods that are high in potassium include nuts, peanut butter and chocolate. Other common triggers include both rest after activity and periods of inactivity (for example; sitting through a long class or church service, especially in a cool room). Sleep is a potent trigger. Going too long without eating is another trigger. HyperKPP patients can’t let themselves get too hungry. Getting chilled is a trigger.
Triggers may vary from person to person. Unfortunately this is an area in which food triggers are not as clearly defined as the other types of periodic paralysis, where it is possible to say potassium-rich foods or sweet foods trigger episodes. Since the patient’s potassium level may vary from time to time during episodes it may take diligence and real attention to one’s body’s signals to discover triggers. Common triggers in the other periodic paralyses include both rest after activity and periods of inactivity (for example; sitting through a long class or church service, especially in a cool room). Sleep is a potent trigger. Going too long without eating is another trigger, as is eating a large meal. Getting chilled is a trigger. Hydrocarbons like gasoline fumes, paint fumes or car exhaust have been reported as triggers by some patients, and are probably best avoided when possible.
Many episodes of weakness are triggered by food. Food triggers include sweet or sugary foods or starchy foods. These are foods like candy, cakes, desserts, soft drinks which are sweetened with sugar, fruit juices, bread, cereal products, rice, potatoes, and pasta. Foods like these are processed by the body very quickly and raise the blood sugar rapidly. The pancreas responds to this rapid rise in blood sugar by producing a lot of insulin. Insulin drives potassium from the blood into the cell, which triggers weakness. Salty foods, like burgers or potato chips, are a trigger for many HypoKPP patients. Getting too hungry, or eating a large meal (especially if you are very hungry) triggers episodes in many patients. Other common triggers include unusual activity or exercise – usually the day before the attack, but sitting still for too long may also trigger episodes. Patients learn that pacing their activities is absolutely vital to gaining control. Sleep is a potent trigger, and many pati
