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Electrolyte levels, in particular Sodium and Potassium, are critical
to body function
The reason this is included in the Rt3 information is it's affect on
muscles and pulse rates. So many hypothyroid. people have adrenal issues and it is mainly
adrenal hormones that control electrolytes.
Low sodium causes pulse to go high LONG before you
are no longer hypothyroid. So if you have a pulse above 90BPM and still low temps you can
try this salt water test to see if sodium is confusing the issues:
First Check your pulse making certain you are relaxed and sitting still for at least
15 minutes prior. Then drink a 10 or more ounce glass of water with at least 1 teaspoon of
(preferably) unrefined sea salt in it Re-check pulse in one hour. If it is significantly
lower, you probably have low sodium causing too high a pulse rate. We reccomend Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt.
Potassium often is lowered by the meds taken to support adrenals. Certain
dietary causes also are possible, not the least of which is Diabetes and low carb dieting.
To eat enough potassium in your diet you probably will eat quite a few carbs as most high
potassium foods are also high in carbohydrates. Low potassium can also rise pulse too
high, and can cause muscle weakness that is extreme as well as muscle spasms that are
often mistaken for hyperthyroid. A serum potassium test may not show this deficiency! By
far the best way to test for potassium at the cellular level, where it is most important
is with an RBC potassium test, done concurrently with an electrolyte panel. The RBC
testing is more expensive than serum testing but necessary if you are having any of the
above mentioned symptoms.
They are available from labs mentioned on the LAB
TESTING page.
Lab ranges for sodium and potassium:
For healthy adrenal/thyroid function sodium should be 142-144
ideally. I personally prefer to see potassium at 4.0-4.5 within this range I would not
advise supplementing unless the RBC potassium is low. RBC potassium needs to be in the
70-95 percent of it's range for best health.
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