Potassium Suppliments

[Aussie1]

I have a postassium deficency and my doctor prescribed potassium sup.

I'm afraid to take it thinking it will cause a flare, but my potassium level is dangerous and I ended up in er last week.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Wendy

[ICNDonna]

I think the potassium sensitivity test is the reason many people consider potassium to be "bad" for ICers. I think of it this way: If you have a scrape on your hand and put salt on the scrape, it's going to hurt! But --- if instead you put the salt on food and eat it, it won't make the scrape hurt.

Potassium placed directly into any IC bladder will usually cause pain. However, if you eat the potassium (or swallow it as a supplement), it will go through the digestive system and should not be a problem for the bladder.

An adequate amount of potassium is essential to life. I took a potassium supplement for years after a blood test revealed I was dangerously low. My medication regime has changed since then and I am able to maintain a safe potassium level through diet.

I think it would be wise for you to take the supplement. I was on a prescription one; it's much less expensive that way.

Donna