question for nutritionists: potassium: 3500mg/day ?

[Chip]

Potassium is important, especially if you suffer from leg cramps. An article mentions needing 3500mg per day. Is it just me or does that seem like a lot ? Or is potassium so common that we get that much without trying ? Or are most people getting less than they should ? thanks

 

[Little Rickie]

I've found eating banana chips (along with salty snacks and skipping the Gatoraid) have been a big boost to my endurance and energy.

I've never gotten many cramps while hiking...the next day is when I pay for it but that's from latic acid build up.

I eat apricots, dried fruit, nuts and raisins too, didn't know the potasum connection, just like them for the carbs and flavor.

Dried dates too but they are not on the list.

 

[daxs]

Thats the recommended daily requirements. You need to remember too much potassium is bad too

 

[Craig]

Not a nutritionists

The USDA adequate Intake (AI) for potassium is 4700mg.
I target 4700 – 23,500mg per day without supplements.

I usually manage 3000mg/day.

 

[DougPaul]

Potassium is also lost in sweat so you may need additional intake during long bouts of exercise.

Many electrolyte drinks include significant amounts of potassium.

FWIW, my el-cheapo home-brewed electrolyte drink uses Morton Lite Salt which is half sodium chloride (table salt) and half potassium chloride. http://www.vftt.org/forums/showpost.php?p=54650&postcount=21 and http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4914. (Yes, yet another shameless plug... )

Doug

 

[Little Rickie]

Potassium is also lost in sweat so you may need additional intake during long bouts of exercise.

Yup I can sweat off a gallon easy on a cool day.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Wholes Foods has a good page on potassium.

 

[Adk_dib]

No wonder I cramp up. Did you get a look at that list of food!

 

[gaiagirl]

I'm allergic to banana, papaya, and avacado. Maybe this is why I'm tired and feel crummy a lot of the time .....