Potassium

My hypothyroidism is causing me to have leg cramping, especially during rigourous excersize. I was told that if I take potassium the cramps should lessen, but my hypothyroidism also caused me to develop high cholesterol. Is it bad to take a potassium pill of 99mg when you have high cholesterol? Mine is about 210.

[mags59]

I have high cholesterol from Hyperthyroidism.  Your leg cramping is probably from low potassium.  You could take a pill, but it's better to get it from food sources such as bananas, apples, raisins, etc.  They have a much higher amount of potassium (99mg is the minimum daily requirement).  I had terrible leg cramps and started eating a couple bananas a day and snacking on raisins, and I rarely get them anymore.

[TrudieC]

Yes, the bananas, etc. are good to keep the cramps away.  If they do hit you might find that a snack of potato chips and Gatorade will kill it fast.  Good luck!

[Cynnieb4]

I do gatorade and eat banana, take my multi, and drink gatorades. So as long as you do those you should be  fine. I notice I get more headaches, etc and cramping in the legs during period. Make sure they do frequent testing on you. They are watching my ferritin levels now. Which is a step away from anemic.

[ssl2008]

I vote BANANAS ALLLLLLLLLLL THE WAY! one a day and you're set!

[stella5349]

Do you know for sure it is potassium related?

It could also be magnesium deficency related.

HAve you been tested?

I will tell you bananas are a huge weight gainer for hypo's.

[stella5349]

Could be the B Vits too.

[kitty9309]

A banana only has 110 calories.

Bananas also have 4 grams of fiber each. That will help you lower your cholesterol.

Potassium supplements can be dangerous if you aren't truly low. You need a blood test.

It is better to get potassium through diet.