What is Potassium?
(DrEddyClinic News) Sometimes referred to as an electrolyte, potassium is a naturally-occurring mineral and key nutrient for good health. Your nerves and muscles need it to function properly. It supports digestive and kidney health, regulates blood pressure and helps build strong bones. [1] It’s especially important for your heart, too. [2]
If you’re healthy, your body is generally able to keep potassium levels where they should be. Some conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and alcoholism can disrupt this balance http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33887. Illnesses accompanied by conditions like diarrhea and vomiting can also upset potassium balance. Some drugs, like ACE inhibitors and ARBs, can throw off your body’s ability to regulate potassium and lead to high potassium levels.
Low potassium is a condition called hypokalemia. Too much potassium, or hyperkalemia, leads to high potassium levels, which has similar symptoms as hypokalemia — weakness, fatigue, and even heart arrhythmias in extreme cases. Hyperkalemia often starts with gastrointestinal problems.
The USDA recommends adults get 4,700 mg of potassium daily. According to the World Health Organization, most people around the world, including the United States, don’t get enough.[3] So, to help make sure you’re on track to adequate potassium in your diet, here’s a list of 10 foods rich in this important nutrient.
Foods High in Potassium
1. Avocado
Often referred to as a vegetable, the avocado http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33332 is actually a single-seeded berry that is jam-packed with nutritional benefits. It delivers some of the highest amounts of potassium you’ll find anywhere at around 708.1 mg per cup, or about one serving. Plus, it’s loaded with the ‘healthy’ fats, the powerful antioxidant http://bit.ly/CellFuzion vitamin E, B vitamins, and it’s low in sugar.
2. Coconut Water
It’s not just the coconut meat that makes the coconut a healthy food http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33541. A cup of coconut water, the liquid inside the coconut, provides 575 mg of potassium, and it contains enzymes that stimulate your metabolism. It also contains magnesium, zinc, and iron that help regulate immune function and energy.
3. Crimini Mushrooms
You can consume 640 mg of potassium in only five ounces of crimini mushrooms. These mushrooms are also an excellent source of vitamin B12, minerals like selenium and antioxidants. When cooking, try lightly sauteing crimini mushrooms to preserve flavor and nutrients.
4. Banana
The banana, also known as Musa acuminate colla, is well known as a top source of potassium. Athletes have a reputation of eating bananas to get an immediate energy boost and to recover from workouts. One medium-sized banana should offer about 360 mg of potassium.
5. Acorn Squash
This versatile winter squash makes excellent soups, pastas, and pies with its sweet and nutty flavor. In addition to 486 mg of potassium for every cup of the cooked squash (about one serving), you also get a dose of vitamins A and C to support healthy skin, eyes, and hair.
6. Sweet Potato
The sweet potato is one of the ultimate health foods. It has 448 mg of potassium per cup and B vitamins that help support a healthy metabolism. It’s also loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33111 to support muscle function. Sweet potatoes also contains an enzyme called amylase http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=33725 that encourage normal blood sugar.
7. Potato
The baked potato makes for a simple and easy side with any meal. And, if you eat a medium sized potato with the skin (make sure to clean it well first), you’ll consume 926 mg of potassium. That’s about 20% of the daily recommended value.
8. Prunes
These dried, pitted plums have a reputation as a digestive aid and they’re also a great source of potassium with 528 mg per serving. They also contain zeaxanthin, a beneficial carotenoid.
9. Raisins
With one-half cup of raisins (roughly a handful), you can consume about 600 mg of potassium or 12% of your recommended daily value. Raisins also contain the potent antioxidant resveratrol http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=99&t=32799 that helps to control cholesterol http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/highbloodcholesterol.php [4], reduce inflammation [5], and may have protective properties against cancer. [6]
10. Spinach
In a ½ cup serving of spinach, you can get 420 mg of potassium plus iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. Spinach also contains vitamin K that plays an essential role in bone health and antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. Try it sautéd in olive oil just until the leaves wilt.
Health Benefits of Potassium
You might not immediately notice if your potassium levels are low. The earliest symptoms can be as simple and non-specific as cramping muscles, fatigue, constipation http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=33802, or bloating. Symptoms like these may seem like only a minor nuisance, but can mask more serious health concerns. If they move on to more advanced symptoms like heart palpitations and feelings of depression http://bit.ly/goodmoods or confusion, that should raise a red flag.
Studies report that normal potassium levels have a positive effect on blood pressure. [3] Researchers also believe that adequate potassium can be a factor in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and stroke http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ss/stroke.php. [7]
Potassium supports bone health. [8] A study of 266 elderly women found those with stronger bones and better bone density had higher levels of potassium. The researchers suggested increasing potassium intake could play an important role in preventing osteoporosis. [8]
Eating potassium-rich foods is the best and easiest way to address low potassium levels. If you’ve seen your doctor for symptoms like these or you have a condition that increases your risk of low potassium, you may need to take a supplement http://bit.ly/dreddyclinic-supplements.
Potassium Supplements
If you believe you’re not be getting enough potassium in your diet, start eating more of these potassium-rich foods and see if you notice any changes. While high potassium is rare, you don’t want to overdo it.
If adding these foods to your diet doesn’t help, speak with your doctor about whether a supplement could be the right course of action. As with any supplement, you’ll want the most bioavailable form you can get. As you restore your potassium levels to where they should be, you’ll find yourself with more energy, fewer aches and muscle soreness, and a clear mind.
I personally recommend potassium orotate http://bit.ly/potassium-orotate. It contains a form of potassium your body can make the most of. One of the components to good health is reaching a state of balance within your body. Potassium orotate is designed to help.
What’s your experience with potassium? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You. Potassium https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/potassium.html.
2. He FJ1, MacGregor GA. Beneficial effects of potassium on human health http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18724413. Physiol Plant. 2008 Aug;133(4):725-35.
3. WHO. Guideline: Potassium intake for adults and children http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/potassium_intake_printversion.pdf. Geneva, World Health Organization (WHO), 2012.
4. Riccioni G, Gammone MA, Tettamanti G, Bergante S, Pluchinotta FR, D’Orazio N.Resveratrol and anti-atherogenic effects http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26306466. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2015;66(6):603-10.
5. Mishra V, Shuai B, Kodali M, Shetty GA, Hattiangady B, Rao X, Shetty AK. Resveratrol Treatment after Status Epilepticus Restrains Neurodegeneration and Abnormal Neurogenesis with Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26639668. Sci Rep. 2015 Dec 7;5:17807.
6. Brown K, Rufini A. New concepts and challenges in the clinical translation of cancer preventive therapies: the role of pharmacodynamic biomarkers http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26635905%E2%80%9D. Ecancermedicalscience. 2015 Nov 24;9:601.
7. Young DB1, Lin H, McCabe RD. Potassium’s cardiovascular protective mechanisms http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7733391. Am J Physiol. 1995 Apr;268(4 Pt 2):R825-37.
8. Zhu K1, Devine A, Prince RL. The effects of high potassium consumption on bone mineral density in a prospective cohort study of elderly postmenopausal women http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18575949. Osteoporos Int. 2009 Feb;20(2):335-40. doi: 10.1007/s00198-008-0666-3. Epub 2008 Jun 25.
Ginger every day? There's a reason why this spectacular root
by: Ethan A. Huff
ginger, natural remedies, health problems
(DrEddyClinic News) Believe it or not, many of the world's most effective healing therapeutics http://www.naturalmedicine.news/ aren't found at the drug store or behind the pharmacy counter: they're stocked on the produce shelves at your local grocery store. Ginger root is one great example of this; especially during allergy season, this spice root can provide lasting relief from sore throats, nasal congestion and all sorts of other health conditions – and all for just pennies on the dollar compared to pharmaceuticals.
Ginger is gaining quite a bit of attention these days among health advocates, and for good reason. This powerful root has been used by practically every civilization since time began, not just as flavor in food, but as a natural form of medicine. The following health conditions have been scientifically shown to respond positively to ginger, so take note:
1) Nausea and vomiting: If you've ever taken a jaunt on a sailboat and suffered motion sickness, you may have been offered a drug like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) to help minimize nausea. If you were with folks of a more natural bent, they may have offered you a capsule or two of ginger. Studies have shown that ginger is so effective at calming nausea and vomiting that it's sometimes used to treat CINV (chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting) in cancer patients.
2) Digestive problems: In the same vein, ginger can help clean up the digestive tract and protect against toxic damage http://www.toxins.news/. Folks who suffer from indigestion, constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal problems have all found relief from taking some ginger daily – in the form of ginger and lemon tea for regularity.
3) Brain health: Numerous compounds found in ginger http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=33848 have demonstrated brain-protective benefits, including a substance known as 6-Shogaol that protects against neural damage. Fresh ginger also contains 10-gingerol, which modulates the production of nitric oxide and other chemicals in order to protect brain tissue from swelling.
4) Migraine headaches: Speaking of head issues, ginger has also shown promise as a remedy for the intense misery that is a migraine headache. A clinical trial of 100 patients found that ginger powder is not only at least as effective as pharmaceuticals at minimizing migraines, but it's also completely safe, with no side effects http://www.sideeffects.news/.
5) Skin health: One little-known health benefit of ginger is its ability to provide antioxidant protection against ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays http://www.antioxidants.news/. Studies have shown that UV-related DNA damage is minimized in people who regularly consume ginger.
6) Blood sugar: The standard American diet (SAD) has done a number on people's blood sugar balance, hence the widespread epidemic of diabetes http://www.diabetessciencenews.com/. But regular intake of ginger can help minimize the damaging effects of blood sugar spikes, helping to improve insulin sensitivity and the proper metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
7) Blood pressure: Often used in Thai culture for this very purpose, ginger extracts have been shown to protect against hypertension. One study found that, of the various known herbal remedies for high blood pressure, ginger outperforms them all.
8) Osteoarthritis: Aging isn't exactly a pleasant experience, especially when age-related chronic health problems emerge. But ginger can help make the aging process a whole lot less depressing http://www.longevity.news/, by minimizing the aches and pains associated with age-onset osteoarthritis, one of the leading degenerative health conditions afflicting the elderly. Ginger is also helpful in relieving muscle pain and soreness in athletes.
9) Cardiovascular health: Healthy circulation is vital for a host of bodily functions, not to mention the fact that optimal blood flow is what keeps your heart pumping and your body alive. Ginger, according to emerging research, not only supports cardiovascular health, but may also help the body overcome various existing cardiovascular health http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=131 problems.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/these-are-the-incredible-things-that-happen-to-your-body-when-you-start-eating-ginger-every-day/
All-natural home remedies for dissolving painful kidney stones
by: Wes Maxwell
kidney stones, natural remedies, chance piedra
(DrEddyClinic News) As many know, passing kidney stones can be an extremely painful process. One of the most common urinary disorders http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=34341 diagnosed in the United States, kidney stones are formed when excess mineral deposits (usually calcium) clump together inside the kidney to form small pebble-like debris.
That debris then travels from the kidney into the ureters, the tubes that carry waste from your kidney to your bladder, and then out of your body through urination.
While it can take months, even years, for symptoms associated with kidney stones to surface, that doesn't mean they'll be any less painful when they do. Common symptoms associated with passing kidney stones range from mild swelling and tenderness to excruciating pain and urine back-up.
Although the only way to get rid of kidney stones is to pass them, there are numerous natural therapies that can alleviate the pain experienced during the dreadfully long process.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has proven to be a highly effective home remedy for a myriad of ailments, and kidney stones are no exception. Apple cider vinegar's high acidity helps break apart http://www.naturallivingideas.com/natural-remedies-for-kidney-stones/ existing kidney stones into smaller pieces that will be less painful to pass. Additionally, the citric acid in apple cider vinegar helps prevent the formation of further kidney stones by alkalizing http://www.kidneyatlas.org/dissolve-kidney-stones/ the stone's effect on blood and urine, and by promoting the production of hydrochloric acid.
To treat kidney stones, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with four ounces of water, adding a touch of honey or other natural sweetener, and drink the mixture three times a day. Repeat daily until the stone has passed.
2. Kidney Stone Melting Syrup
If apple cider vinegar isn't your cup of tea, Healthy Food Star http://www.healthyfoodstar.com/powerful-syrup-for-melting-kidney-stones/ concocted a super tasty, extra potent "stone-melting syrup" to help those suffering from kidney stones. The recipe combines a myriad of natural supplements used to treat kidney stones, including olive oil, lemon, organic honey, parsley root, and maple syrup.
The extreme acidity of lemons helps dissolve kidney stones into smaller clumps, alleviating immediate pain, and making the eventual exiting process significantly less painful. Additionally, the parsley root acts as a natural diuretic to help facilitate the urination process, and speed up the stone's travel time from the bladder out of the body. Lastly, the honey (aside from providing sweetness) acts as a natural antimicrobial agent http://science.naturalnews.com/search.asp, inhibiting the growth of further microorganisms.
To make the syrup, chop one whole lemon (with rind) into slices or chunks, and place them in a blender. Blend the lemon well, and then add one cup of olive oil, one cup of organic honey, one large bunched parsley root, and one cup of maple syrup. Blend the entire concoction until the lemon rinds are dissolved to your liking, and then pour the mixture into a glass jar, and refrigerate. Take one tablespoon of the mixture in the morning before eating, and repeat each day until the stone exits your body.
3. Chanca Piedra
An all-natural herbal remedy, Chanca Piedra is a widespread tropical plant used most popularly by tribal communities in the Amazon https://jonbarron.org/herbal-library/herbs/chanca-piedra#.V36tDDVOmUk to treat kidney stones. A highly effective form of kidney stone treatment, the English translation of the Spanish named plant literally means "stone breaker." Praised by doctors and scientists worldwide, "[a]ll natural Chanca Piedra has been shown to scientifically crush the kidney stones to dissolve them and allow easy passing of remnant stone materials." The herbal remedy also builds defense systems within the body to reduce the likelihood of developing further kidney stones http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/kk/kidneystones.php.
To treat a kidney stone, either mix pure Chanca Piedra concentrate with water, or take 400 mg of chanca piedra capsules two times a day until the stone has passed.
Sources:
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=34341
http://www.kidneyatlas.org/dissolve-kidney-stones/
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/natural-remedies-for-kidney-stones/
http://www.healthyfoodstar.com/powerful-syrup-for-melting-kidney-stones/
http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=114&t=3706
http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=19594
http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=27915
http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=34340
Top Five Herbs that Promote Kidney Health
by: Kirk Patrick
kidney health, herbs, health news
(DrEddyClinic News) While many herbs are popular for liver and colon health, the best herbs for kidney maintenance are not as well known in Western medicine. Those suffering nausea, loss of appetite, stunted growth, dry skin, sleep disorders, concentration problems, or puffy eyes should consider a kidney flush. This article will review five plants traditionally used to promote and maintain kidney health.
The Top Five
1) Couch grass - Agropyron repens (Gramineae)
A vigorous perennial harvested throughout the year, couch grass is found on every continent except Africa. Couch grass contains polysaccharides (including triticin), volatile oil (including agropyrene), mucilage and other nutrients. Used medicinally since about 25 AD, couch grass increases urine production and treats urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis. Couch grass relieves and even partially dissolves kidney stones. Couch grass (considered an invasive weed in many areas) can treat an enlarged prostate. The fresh juice can treat liver problems such as jaundice. The root can be roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. Couch grass has diuretic, demulcent and antibacterial properties.
2) Green tea - Camellia sinensis (Zingiberaceae)
Native to the Orient, green tea has been consumed for thousands of years. The young, unfermented leaves of the green tea plant contain compounds known as polyphenols http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33995 (plant antioxidants), which inhibit kidney stones and prevent cancers of the prostate, ovaries, liver, breast and colon. Green tea also helps the liver by reducing fatty deposits. Known to encourage improvement of the heart, circulatory system, brain, pancreas and liver, green tea also assists with weight loss by strengthening the metabolism via thermogenesis (an increase in body temperature that helps break down fat). Green tea also reduces cholesterol and is used as a heart tonic. Green tea is a stimulant (containing caffeine) and has anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties.
3) Java tea - Orthosiphon aristatus (Lamiaceae)
A shrub with lilac colored flowers, java tea is native to Asia and Australia. The leaves of java tea (also known as kidney tea and cat whisker plant) are used medicinally. Java tea contains flavones (including sinensetin), glycoside (including orthosiphonin), volatile oil and large amounts of potassium. Java tea is listed in French, Indonesian, Dutch and Swiss pharmacopoeias as a remedy for kidney ailments. Thought to increase the kidney's ability to eliminate nitrogen-containing compounds, java tea treats kidney stones http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=33971, kidney infections and renal function. Java tea has diuretic properties.
4) Rehmannia - Rehmannia glutinosa (Scrophulariaceae)
A perennial with large sticky leaves and purple flowers, rehmannia is the most important herb for kidney and adrenal health in Chinese medicine (where it is called di huang) . Rehmannia root is used medicinally and it contains phytosterols and antioxidants (including rehmannin), along with iridoid glycosides (including catapol). Rehmannia is primarily used as a kidney tonic http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=34003 and also to detoxify the liver and to treat hepatitis. Rehmannia treats autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. Rehmannia helps treat hair loss, respiratory disorders, menopause and other hormone related disorders. Rehmannia has diuretic properties.
5) Uva ursi - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae)
Also known as bearberry, uva-ursi is a low-lying evergreen shrub native to Europe and even found in the Arctic. The leaves are gathered in autumn along with the berries. Uva-ursi contains hydroquinones (including arbutin - up to 17%), tannins (15%), phenolic glycosides and flavonoids. Uva-ursi is one of the best urinary antiseptics. Used extensively in herbal medicine since the 2nd century, uva-ursi is primarily used to help disinfect and astringe the kidneys. Uva-ursi was also traditionally smoked along with tobacco. Uva-ursi has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Note: uva-ursi should not be used by pregnant women or for more than 7-10 days at a time. While promoting kidney health http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=134, uva-ursi should not be used to treat existing kidney infections.
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References
The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants - Dorling Kindersley and Andrew Chevallier
More on Kidney herbs
http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/herbs-for-kidney-cleanse.html
More on Green tea
http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/green-tea-and-kidney-stones.html
http://greentealovers.com/greenteahealthotherconditions.htm
More on Java tea
http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/java_tea_or_kidney_tea
More on Rehmannia
http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/rehmannia
More on Uva-ursi
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/uva-ursi-000278.htm.
Kidney Warning Signs
http://www.aakp.org/aakp-library/Warning-signs/
About the author
Kirk Patrick has studied natural medicine for over a decade and has helped many people heal themselves.
