Oldvatr
Expert
- Messages
- 8,470
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
The problem with taking supplements for electrolyte control is that it is very crude way of trying to control it. It relies on having regular blood tests, and I am now on an annual cycle only unless there is particular reason ro jump the queue. I suspect that many are on something like bi-annual or annual too. Trouble with electolyte balance is that it varies depending on many factors. Diuretic meds for one, having the runs for any reason, eating different foods, changing the amount of salt added to a meal. As you say, type of salt.As this is about low potassium and having supplements, what do people here think of using something like a low-sodium salt substitute which has sodium-chloride replaced by potassium-chloride? Would that work?
This is not taking medical conditions into account, and there are many that can affect this . Even changing artificial sweetner brand. Drinking more coffee or swapping tea brands to decaff may alter balance.
Because there is a possibilty of getting an unsafe balance of potassium but there is no means of self monitoring on a daily basis, then I would suggest that supplementation may not be advisable especially if not dosed properly. Using low sodium salt is not IMHO a controlled dosage situation. Popping a pill is hit and miss until you have a blood test to verify the effect of the dosage. Open loop control systems without feedback are notoriously unstable.