More Potassium, Please!

Although the rest of my blood work usually comes back normal, one thing that almost always comes back low is my potassium level. No doctor seems to know why, but then again that is something most dysautonomia patients are accustomed to hearing. They usually can't explain why our bodies malfunction the way they do. Every time I am in the ER they always make me drink those nauseatingly strong potassium mixtures that restore my level back to a normal range.

Now that I know I have chronically low levels, I need to work hard at home to get an adequate amount of potassium in my diet. Right off the bat, my doctor recommended V-8. Not exactly my favorite drink, but so far the most efficient, effective, and fastest acting form of potassium I have found. If I am having a random bout of tachycardia, the first remedy I try is V-8. It usually brings my pulse down significantly within minutes. Then there's Gatorade, which I will also drink on occasion to maintain my potassium levels throughout the day although I would not rely on it as a primary source.

Natural sources of potassium are usually found in fruits and veggies, although almonds have become a new favorite of mine that I can conveniently keep on hand in my purse. Almonds are good for three specific reasons: they are loaded with protein, salt, and potassium. I would say those are the three things my body demands most. Almonds are also a great food because they won't spike your blood sugar levels. My grandpa is a diabetic and almonds are one of his staple foods. Another one of my favorite natural sources of potassium is honeydew melon. It is sweet and easy to consume in large quantities (unlike V-8 that is, which can sometimes upset my stomach and trigger an acid reflux attack).

In terms of processed food potassium sources (lets face it, bagged foods are convenient), old- fashioned Lays potato chips take the cake. Not only are they delicious, they also have a high sodium content, which can help combat the low blood pressure many potsies suffer from. Potatoes contain potassium, therefore so do most potato chips. At 390 mg per serving, Lays contain the highest potassium content out of all the chips I've tried. I can honestly say one of the few perks of having POTS is being able to indulge in potato chips without the least bit of guilt!

For your convenience, here is a list of potassium-rich foods, borrowed from the USDA National Nutrient Database. If you are not taking any potassium supplements, eat as many of these foods as you would like. You can't go wrong with potassium-rich foods as they are usually high in fiber and vital nutrients as well.

Potassium Rich Foods	Weight	Measure	Potassium Content
Raw, baby carrots	10	1 medium	24 mg
Raw Lettuce	10	1 leaf	19 mg
Raw Onions	14	1 slice	20 mg
Fresh Strawberries	12	1 strawberry	18 mg
Raw Garlic	3	1 clove	12 mg
Honey	21	1 tablespoon	11 mg
Raw Radishes	4.5	1 radish	10 mg
Raw Peppers	10	1 ring	18 mg
White Bread	23	1 slice	17 mg
Papayas	304	1 papaya	781 mg
Lima Beans	188	1 cup	955 mg
Plantains	179	1 medium	893 mg
Jerusalem Artichokes	150	1 cup	644 mg
Bananas	118	1 banana	422 mg
Oat Bran	94	1 cup	532 mg
Tomatoes	255	1 cup	528 mg
Cucumber	301	1 large	442 mg
Cantaloupe	160	1 cup	427 mg
Pears	275	1 pear	333 mg
Mangoes	207	1 mango	323 mg