I used to have very low blood pressure, now I'm borderline High

science
(THERESA PITTS) #1

I’ve always had very low blood pressure. It has been a joke between me and my husband that he wondered if I was really alive. I am a 52 year old female and I’ve been on Keto for 1 year. My starting weight was 165 and I’m currently at 125. I didn’t have any symptoms of metabolic syndrome, I just wanted to lose weight. I am currently taking 2 teaspoons of pink salt per day, but trying to up that to 3 teaspoons.

For about the last 6 months, my blood pressure has been steadily rising. I check it at my local pharmacy whenever I am there. Last night, it was the highest yet and borderline HIGH. Is there anything that I should do differently to bring it back down to a normal range?

(Jay AM) #2

How is your intake of potassium and magnesium? Water? Potassium helps to balance sodium, magnesium spares potassium. Hydration helps overall. What does your daily food intake look like otherwise? Do you have pre existing conditions? Medications? Net carb intake in grams daily?

(THERESA PITTS) #3

I drink almost exclusively water. Unsweet tea when at a resturant. I can’t seem to get enough water, so I am constantly drinking it. I take 2 tablespoons of magnesium citrate daily. No potassium supplement.

I am now eating OMAD and it is under 20 carbs, approximately 50 gm protein and the rest is fat. Typical meal is a piece of protein, a fatty sauce and some type of veggie (brussel sprouts, green beans, cauliflower, etc)

One medication for hormone therapy (hot flashes are a real bitch) and over the counter sleeping pill at night. No pre-existing conditions.

(Jay AM) #4

Can you not seem to get enough water like excessive thirst or you just enjoy lots of water? Consider your potassium intake, if you don’t track, try tracking. Potassium and sodium are a pair that should be in balance.

I am also a low blood pressure person. If I don’t watch potassium, I suddenly become high. It’s uncomfortable too.

(THERESA PITTS) #5

I like water, but that isn’t the reason I can’t get enough. I’m constantly thirsty (especially at night) and wake up with horrible dry mouth. I’ll start tracking my Potassium. What is the best way to supplement Potassium?

(THERESA PITTS) #6

I did some research on Potassium and the RDA for it seems to vary between sites. I see anywhere from 2,000 mg to 4,700 mg per day. What is recommended for adults on Keto?

#7

I use Morton’s No Salt (found near salt in the grocery stores). It is the cheapest potassium I’ve found. I mix it in water with salt for ketoade. I got it for less than $2 at my grocery store.

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I originally followed these guideline’s from Mark’s Daily Apple, but ended up decreasing potassium to one serving of No Salt (about 610 mg of potassium), which works best for me.
“Get plenty of electrolytes. You’ll want lots of sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Try 4.5 grams sodium (about 2 teaspoons of fine salt or a little under 3 teaspoons of kosher salt), 300-400 mg magnesium, and 1-2 grams of potassium each day on top of your normal food. Going keto really flushes out water weight, and tons of electrolytes leave with it.”