Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: The Link Between Potassium Deficiency and Cancer

  1. #1

    The Link Between Potassium Deficiency and Cancer

    The Link Between Potassium Deficiency and Cancer

    By Dr. Veronique Desaulniers

    You may have heard of natural medicine maverick Max Gerson, MD, and his pioneering work around cancer and metabolism in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. If so, you may also know that one of the conditions Gerson focused on in preventing and healing cancer was potassium deficiency. Gerson discovered that balanced potassium levels are vital for prevention. Here’s why.

    The Importance of the Electrolytes

    “Electrolytes” are minerals that have an electrical charge; they will separate into negatively and positively charged ions when dissolved in water. The major electrolytes in your body include calcium, magnesium, sodium and, of course, potassium. They exist in bodily fluids like blood, sweat, and urine but are not produced in the body. They must be obtained through what you eat and drink.

    Electrolytes are especially important for nerve function. Nerves communicate with each other through electrical and chemical exchange. Electrolytes also help with blood clotting, bone building, maintaining a steady heart rhythm and muscle contraction. Studies such as a 2015 Swiss investigation published in the Journal of Hypertension have also found that daily potassium intake and maintaining potassium-sodium balance can help keep blood pressure stable.

    The Cancer-Potassium Deficiency Connection

    Gerson noticed that a large percentage of his cancer patients were severely deficient in potassium. This led him and others to inquire about potassium-sodium balance in the body and what this has to do with cancer progression. The answer can be found in how electrolyte imbalance and low potassium levels effect cellular processes.

    Research beginning in the 1970’s discovered that when cells are stressed through exposure to toxicity, three things happen. First, the cell loses potassium. Second, the cell accepts more sodium. Third, the cell swells with too much water. This is called cellular edema. The result of this is that normal cells lose the ability to generate energy (ATP) in a healthy way. They become vulnerable to mutation—and cancer.

    Normal function is turned upside down when cells turn cancerous. Cancer cells do not generate ATP, i.e. energy, in the normal (through balanced mineral input and oxygenation). Instead, they generate their version of energy through consuming glucose in an anaerobic environment.

    Signs of Potassium Imbalance

    According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), normal potassium intake is 4,700 mg/day for adults and 3,000 mg/day for children. Anything below that could result in a deficiency. Some signs that you may be low in potassium include:

    -fatigue and weakness

    -constipation

    -muscle cramps

    -irregular heartbeat

    In addition, individuals with cancer commonly suffer from two other potassium-related conditions. Hypercalcemia is when high levels of calcium are found in the blood. It is most often seen in individuals with breast cancer as well as lung cancer and multiple myeloma. Tumor lysis syndrome sometimes happens after chemotherapy. This is when cancer cells spill their intracellular contents upon destruction, which can cause severe electrolyte imbalance. Both conditions can be dangerous and even deadly if left untreated since they can affect the kidneys and result in a seizure.

    Almost Everyone is Potassium Deficient

    According to the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the daily average intake of potassium for most Americans is about half the USDA recommendation. This means that more than likely you are low in potassium!

    If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above or if you are being treated conventionally for breast cancer, you may consider getting an electrolyte balance test. Including potassium-rich foods such as nuts, squash, lima beans, broccoli and salmon in your diet is also a great idea.

    Minerals play such a huge role in the body and potassium is a vital one. Take measures to get enough potassium from healthy sources every day. Staying in electrolyte balance is crucial for those on a healthy breast journey as well as anyone who wishes to stay vital at any age.
    http://realfarmacy.com/potassium-can...zen.yandex.com
    “The spirits of darkness are now among us. We have to be on guard so that we may realize what is happening when we encounter them and gain a real idea of where they are to be found. The most dangerous thing you can do in the immediate future will be to give yourself up unconsciously to the influences which are definitely present.” ~ Rudolf Steiner



  2. Remove this section of ads by registering.
  3. #2
    The Link Between Potassium Deficiency and Cancer
    Almost Everyone is Potassium Deficient
    So if a potassium deficiency causes cancer should almost everybody have cancer?


    https://www.livestrong.com/article/3...um-and-cancer/

    High Potassium and Cancer

    Potassium is one of the major electrolytes that your body carefully controls for proper heart and neuromuscular activity. A high potassium blood level, or hyperkalemia, is seen in a variety of medical conditions, including cancer and cancer treatment. Prompt recognition and treatment of hyperkalemia are important to avoid potentially life-threatening side effects.

    Definition
    Potassium is one of the body’s major electrolytes, found in much higher concentrations inside your cells than in the surrounding fluids or blood. Nerves, muscles and the heart require carefully maintained blood potassium levels to function properly. Potassium is obtained through the diet, with excess amounts excreted primarily by the kidneys. According to Lab Tests Online, the most common cause of hyperkalemia is kidney disease, but certain medications, tissue injuries, dehydration, infection and diabetes can also lead to elevated blood potassium.

    Hyperkalemia in Cancer
    Cancer patients face additional risk factors for hyperkalemia, although kidney problems still commonly play a role. Side effects of chemotherapy, breakdown of tumor cells, hormones produced by certain types of tumors and extensive replacement of the adrenal glands by tumors can all result in high potassium blood levels, according to the “Manual of Clinical Oncology.” In addition, very high white blood cell or blood platelet counts can cause an artificial increase in potassium in a test sample after the blood is drawn. This “pseudohyperkalemia” must be separated from true hyperkalemia occurring in the body.

    Tumor Lysis Syndrome
    Rapidly growing advanced cancers, especially certain types of lymphoma and leukemia, can respond dramatically to initial doses of chemotherapy. This results in extensive tumor cell death and breakdown and the release of large amounts of cellular material, including potassium, in a condition called tumor lysis syndrome. Tumor lysis syndrome usually occurs within hours or a few days of starting treatment, and if a patient is in a high-risk category, he will be monitored for increasing potassium levels as well as other blood and urine changes. Treatment is based on the severity of hyperkalemia and any complications that arise.

    Symptoms of Hyperkalemia
    Potassium levels are commonly monitored in cancer patients because mild or early hyperkalemia often shows no symptoms, according to MedHelp.org. As potassium levels worsen, symptoms can include muscle weakness, nausea and changes in heart function. The heart rate and pulse tend to become irregular and progressively slower, eventually leading to complete heart stoppage. Characteristic heart changes from hyperkalemia can be seen on an ECG, or electrocardiogram, and measuring potassium blood levels allows for a diagnosis.

    Treatment
    Hyperkalemia treatment varies depending on the degree of potassium elevation and the symptoms present. Mild hyperkalemia can be treated with a low potassium diet or certain diuretic medications. Life-threatening potassium levels require more aggressive therapy, which could include intravenous glucose and insulin, intravenous calcium or methods to actively remove excess potassium such as dialysis or potassium-absorbing medications. The best long-term solution is successful treatment of the cancer or other underlying cause of hyperkalemia.
    Last edited by Zippyjuan; 03-17-2018 at 06:08 PM.

  4. #3
    So , If I never have muscle cramps or constipation I should be good . I am thankful for my health . Sorry to hear Zip is on his last leg .



Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 17
    Last Post: 05-30-2015, 05:04 AM
  2. Replies: 5
    Last Post: 10-03-2013, 11:20 AM
  3. CDC Stumbles on Vitamin D Deficiency Link to H1N1 Deaths
    By WayBehind in forum Personal Health & Well-Being
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-25-2009, 04:14 PM
  4. Vitamin B17 deficiency, the cause of Cancer?
    By FrankRep in forum Personal Health & Well-Being
    Replies: 26
    Last Post: 08-08-2008, 11:52 PM
  5. World Without Cancer (Its a deficiency disease)
    By whobot in forum U.S. Political News
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 01-26-2008, 06:20 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •