Potassium Prevents | Muscle Fatigue |Muscle Cramps|

My Winter Problem with Tired Calf Muscles

I noticed last winter that my calf muscles were very tight and tired. I went to a chiropractor and had a massage, but the problem persisted. I tried different ways, but nothing solved the problem. Finally, in mid-August I recognized, from a book (Chia Running) that I might need more potassium (electrolytes) in my diet.

I remembered the Marine Corps, back in the 1950s, had us take two salt tablets each day in hot weather. The light came on: lack of salt might be my problem. I added a level teaspoon on good sea-salt to each of my two bottles of well-water each day. Within a week I noticed a difference. In 10 days, the problem was gone.

How Much Salt Should We Consume?

As a rough rule of thumb, we can put 1/4 teaspoon of salt per each quart of water. In hot weather you might want more. If your weight suddenly goes up, you might be consuming too much salt. (F. Batmanghelidj, You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty, P.252.)

Now I Feel Like Running with the Dogs Again.

The proper level of electrolytes will decrease muscle cramping, improve strength and decrease the problems of cramps. Muscle cramps are a common problem with potassium deficiency

Potassium is the most important electrolyte in the body

We need potassium in such large amount’s – 4,700 to 6,400 mgs a day.

Keep a Balance of Potassium for a Healthy Heart

• Potassium plays a direct role in keeping your heart rhythm healthy
• If your having trouble with your heart rhythm, you might have a potassium deficiency.

Along with sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium, potassium is an electrolyte, meaning it helps conduct electrical charges in the body. Dr. Berg…

Some Good Sources of Potassium

Foods high in Potassium are not expensive and they are common foods that should be in our diets.

• Bananas are a good source of Potassium, but they are high in sugar and we would need to eat too many. Potassium is available in many foods: Kidney beans, Avocados, Dried fruits like, Raisons, Prunes, Figs, Fish, Dates, Spinach, Avocados-very high, Sweet potatoes, Broccoli, Yogurt, Squash–all kinds, Coconut water, Collard greens and Pomegranate (available in most supermarkets).
• Don’t forget the lowly BEAN–especially black beans, they are loaded.
• Blackstrap molasses is an outstanding source of potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese and B6.

Our Bodies Are Electrical Generators

• Our nerves, with their electrical currents, are powered by our cells’ electrical signals. Each of our millions of cells is a generator powered by Salt and Water–similar to the battery in your car.
• If we have cramps, fatigue, or are just plain tired, especially in the hot summer months, we might need to pay more attention to our intake of potassium containing foods.
• Low potassium can cause out bodies to completely shut down … and put us at room temperature. No fun in that.

Sodium and potassium exist in a balance … but that is out of our discussion.