The Good ole Summertime #1

Summer is typically a slow time of year in the health food industry. Just like everyone else, I am thinking of vacation from the abundant sunshine and plentiful heat we have here in the southwest. Summer is also when we seem to let our collective guard down. Sure there is no new stain of influenza coming out of China or an outbreak of pneumonia, but there are other less visible problems that sneak up on us.

Last week when the outside temp started its inexorable climb toward triple digits, I started to see more people looking for electrolyte replacement drinks. For those of you who played sports, the coach would always ask who needs a salt pill. The idea of electrolyte replacement has come a long way from that time. We now know that our body needs about 2 grams of potassium per day. Most of that is found in the food that we eat. The problem starts when we excrete more potassium than we consume. This usually happens in the summer when we do yard work. We sweat, drink a little water and go back to work. Sometimes we drink Coke or Pepsi, which is the exact wrong thing to drink. The combination of heat and caffeine in my opinion is the cause of many problems including dizziness, shakiness, lightheadedness and hunger. Other more serious health problems may include heat stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack and eventually death. Yes electrolytes are this important.

You can find potassium in bananas, orange juice and white potatoes. However if you are deficient in potassium, a potassium supplement is usually required. Supplemental potassium comes in capsules or powders. I usually like to take about 500-1000mg of potassium before I go to work outside in my yard during the summer. Do not take this as a suggestion for the amount of potassium you should take. You need to find out your own potassium needs.

What do you think. Have any stories of electrolyte imbalances? Post your thoughts.

Thanks for spending a little of your time here with me,

James