Prednisone use can lead to potassium depletion, which can cause a variety of symptoms.

A prednisone warrior sent me this message:

Shocked to find I was depleted after only 7 days on prednisone

Dr. Megan, I had every side effect on the list so when my legs started aching (like ‘growing pains’) I immediately blamed prednisone :)

Then I googled it. It can deplete your Potassium causing muscle aches. I found some Potassium-rich foods in the house and felt relief within a day or so of eating. Crazy stuff!!

Watch Leg Cramps 🦵 on Prednisone? 3+ Ways Low Potassium Causes Pred Side Effects now!

The Importance of Potassium: A Key Ingredient in Nutranize Zone for Countering Prednisone Side Effects

Written by: Dr. Megan Milne & Sabrina Levin

Prednisone is a medication that can be very helpful in treating various health conditions, but it may also have some side effects. Nutranize Zone is a special product designed to assist people in counteracting those side effects. One of its key ingredients is potassium. Let’s discover how potassium works and how it could benefit someone taking prednisone.

What is Potassium?

Potassium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to function properly. It is found in many foods, including bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and potatoes. Our bodies cannot produce potassium, so we must obtain it through our diet or with the help of supplements like Nutranize Zone.

How to Incorporate Potassium in Your Daily Diet?

One may think it is difficult to consume more potassium but its actually way easier than you think. An abundant amount of fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of potassium which makes it easier for us to keep our potassium at appropriate levels. Although the U.S. Dietary Reference Intakes states that there is not enough evidence to create a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for potassium the National Academy of Medicine has established an Adequate Intake for potassium which is as follows:

Some great, healthy options to help you to keep your potassium at a healthy level are:

1. Fruits

Bananas, grapefruit, apricots, peaches, watermelon, melon, cherries.

2. Vegetables

Avocado, spinach, squash, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, beans (lentils, kidney beans, soybeans).

3. Miscellaneous

Dairy products (milk, yogurt, kefir, buttermilk), coconut water.

How Does Potassium Work?

Potassium plays a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy. It helps maintain the balance of fluids in our cells and supports proper functioning of our nerves and muscles. Potassium also helps control our blood pressure and keeps our heart beating regularly.

How Low Potassium Affects Us?

Low potassium levels also known as hypokalemia are categorized by three severity levels: mild, moderate, or severe. This severity level is distinguished by one’s serum potassium which is detected via blood work. Once healthcare providers know the serum potassium level we can categorize the severity. The side effects of low potassium depend on the severity level categorization as shown in the table below:

Prednisone Side Effects on Potassium Levels

Prednisone is a widely prescribed corticosteroid used for not only reducing inflammation but also helping relieve symptoms of a handful of conditions such as arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, and even cancer.

It lowers potassium levels especially if you are taking other medications that can also decrease potassium levels in the blood such as;

• Beta2-receptor agonists (Albuterol, Pseudoephedrine, Epinephrine, etc.)
• Diuretics (Torsemide, Furosemide, Acetzolamide, etc.)
• High dose insulin
• Laxatives (Sorbitol, Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, Phenolphthalein, etc.) Additionally, low potassium can be caused by certain medical conditions such as:
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal disorders (Cushing’s syndrome)
• Eating disorders (Bulimia nervosa)
• Excessive sweating also referred to as Hyperhidrosis

How Can Potassium Help Someone on Prednisone?

Prednisone can have certain side effects that may affect our bodies. Potassium can support overall health and potentially counteract these effects. Here’s how:

1. Regulating Fluid Balance

Prednisone can sometimes cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the body. Potassium helps maintain the balance of fluids within our cells, which may help reduce swelling and bloating.

2. Supporting Nerve and Muscle Function

Prednisone can occasionally cause muscle weakness or cramping. Potassium is essential for proper nerve and muscle function. By consuming enough potassium, you can potentially support the health and strength of your muscles and reduce the risk of cramps.

Does prednisone cause leg cramps?

Yes! Leg cramps from prednisone are an awful side effect. Potassium and magnesium may be the leg cramps from prednisone treatment that you need.

3. Managing Blood Pressure

Prednisone can sometimes increase blood pressure in certain individuals. Potassium is known to help regulate blood pressure levels. By ensuring an adequate intake of potassium, you may potentially help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Potassium supplementation and its effectiveness

Potassium supplementation for hypokalemia is individualized based on patient status and serum potassium levels. Supplementation can be given orally or intravenously in order to treat or prevent hypokalemia. In order to prevent hypokalemia one should take 780 mg of elemental potassium daily. On the other hand, in order to treat hypokalemia one should take 1560-3900 mg of elemental potassium in 2-5 divided doses daily. The total dose of potassium consumed in a day should never exceed 7800 mg of elemental potassium.

Potassium intake via diet or supplementation is likely effective in reducing blood pressure and the risk of kidney stones. Although there is conflicting clinical research the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have published guidelines recommending that patients with high blood pressure who consume 3500-5000 mg of potassium daily are expected to lower their systolic blood pressure by about 4-5 mmHg.

Additionally, the American Urological Association (AUA) recommends potassium citrate therapy for patients with recurrent kidney stones (calcium stones). The potassium citrate is able to reduce urine calcium excretion and increase urine citrate and urine pH, which then alleviates crystal formation and aggregation. It is important to note that the dose and duration of the treatment are determined by a healthcare professional and individualized based on a patient’s urinary citrate levels. Furthermore, serum potassium levels should be monitored prior to starting potassium citrate, within 2 weeks of treatment initiation, and every 12 months

How Can Nutranize Zone Help?

Nutranize Zone, containing potassium as one of its ingredients, provides a convenient and reliable way to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential mineral. By taking Nutranize Zone while on prednisone, you can potentially promote fluid balance, support nerve and muscle function, and help manage blood pressure.

Conclusion:

Potassium is a crucial mineral that can assist in counteracting some of the side effects caused by prednisone. By consuming enough potassium through Nutranize Zone or potassium-rich foods, individuals taking prednisone can potentially support fluid balance, maintain healthy muscle and nerve function, and manage blood pressure. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet.

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