I am in trouble (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid



Message

jlf1961 -> I am in trouble (5/3/2013 5:55:17 PM)

When I go on a hog hunt, I walk an average of three miles in a night.

I have added a 3 mile walk each day with my great nephew in his stroller, when he gets tired of walking on his own.

I am eating a well balanced diet, no fried foods, baked or grilled meats, lean beef, chicken and fish three times a week.

Snacks consist of fruits and salads.

I drink an average of 3 cups of coffee (the lower caffeine level in my blood is causing attitude problems) and at least 2 1/2 gallons of water.

Why am I in trouble? It seems my potassium and magnesium levels are low. After a week of muscle cramps in legs and sides, I went to doctor, blood test showed an electrolyte imbalance.

So as of today, I have added five more pills to my daily intake, to supplement and bring the electrolytes back up.

And worst of all, I have been told by the guy who went to medical school to cut back on my walks for a while and lay off the weight machine workouts.

I fucking thought exercise was a good thing?



erieangel -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 6:18:36 PM)

Electrolytes--Gatorade and the like will eventually get you off the pills.

Increase your potassium and magnesium levels with lots of potatoes, bananas and similar foods or a supplement high in those minerals. When I was still menstruating, I ate 2 bananas a day every day to keep my potassium up. I haven't had to do that since my cycle stopped. A normal diet is sufficient.

As for cutting back on the exercise, you've probably been doing too much for your fitness level, weight, age in comparison to your previous amount of exercise. When too much too quickly can be worst than none at all in some circumstances.




Rule -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 6:33:29 PM)

Perhaps you are taking other medications that may affect your potassium and magnesium levels?

Do you have an elevated level of thyroid hormones?

You may also want to consider taking in less water.



Determinist -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 7:13:14 PM)

Not uncommon when you've been sweating a lot (which causes you to shed water *and* electrolytes) and then not replacing them sufficiently. Take a week off to let the levels bounce back then proceed again as usual but drink more electrolyte-replacement drinks like Gatorade (or even Pedialyte and water or juice if you don't want to buy the sugary commercial stuff) than just plain water.



tommonymous -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 7:36:19 PM)

Hey Jeff. It sounds like the problem you're having is similar to the ones that guys have been solving with salt tabs for quite a while. (Lots of water intake and output requires increase mineral intake as well.) IIRC, salt tabs might not be a great option for you.

Gatorade does a pretty good job of replacing electrolytes, but it's actually not very good for you. Try something like Smart Water, or something else your MD recommends. Bananas and potatoes are both good recommendations for getting the minerals you're missing without having to resort to more pills. You might ask for a referral to a nutritionist, just to get a handle on what's the best food program for you specifically. No one's an expert in everything, and your GP isn't an expert in nutrition. So, asking for one is worth considering.

Also think about asking him if he's got any alternative suggestions, or for how long he expects you to back off your current routine. It sounds like it's a just temporary thing for you, so just gritting your teeth and bearing it might be the solution for the short term.



DarkSteven -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 7:46:37 PM)

How much salt are you eating, especially in processed foods?



TheHeretic -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 7:59:34 PM)

Are you getting enough alcohol? Add a bota bag of red wine on the hunting trips, maybe?

(and Gatorade, instead of straight water)



DesFIP -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 8:46:11 PM)

Powerade Zero instead of Gatorade. And if it's hot, one electrolyte containing drink followed by one plain water.
But 2 1/2 gallons of water a day is an awful lot. I'm not surprised your electrolyte level is wonky.



BlkTallFullfig -> RE: I am in trouble (5/3/2013 10:53:07 PM)

I would guess you are taking a Blood Pressure medicine that is also a "diuretic." Why are you drinking so much water? Is it to feel full? Maybe more fruits and vegetables would be good alternatives.
I hope your Potassium, and Magnesium become normal quickly, and you can resume the walk without cramps.
Fortunately, they are not difficult problems to fix.
Good luck, M



kallisto -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 5:40:56 AM)

I agree with Des. One powerade followed by one water. When my boys were kids and playing all kinds of sports all year long and would come home from those week long 24/7 practices, they would be dehydrated and 6-8 pounds lighter. I would immediately start the powerade/water combo and within 24 hours they were bouncing back. Now anytime any of us get into any kind of activity that causes major sweating/exercising/strength, etc., we go to this routine.



LafayetteLady -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 8:55:23 AM)

Is your sugar under control? Two and a half gallons of water is approximately 19 of the common size water bottles (16.9 oz0. That is a lot and I drink A LOT of water and it isn't that much. You should only be drinking about half that amount,



theshytype -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 9:21:06 AM)

I think that's why they say consult your physician before any diet or exercise plan.
You may be pushing yourself too hard. I would follow the suggestions your doctor has given.
For me, I'll get leg cramps if I don't take in enough (iodized) salt. I don't recommend Gatorade personally, but maybe check into pedialyte. I'd also recommend eating apricots, raisins, and bananas.



LittleGirlHeart -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 10:10:10 AM)

Exercise is good for you yes. But it can be overdone, taken to far, and that is NOT good.



kdsub -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 1:04:51 PM)

quote:

2 1/2 gallons of water


The above could be the problem


The amount of fluid required per day per average is between 8 and 13 cups. You have said you are consuming at least 43 cups a day...A little much I would say and may very well be flushing needed nutrients.

Butch



angelikaJ -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 1:19:32 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: kdsub

quote:

2 1/2 gallons of water


The above could be the problem


The amount of fluid required per day per average is between 8 and 13 cups. You have said you are consuming at least 43 cups a day...A little much I would say and may very well be flushing needed nutrients.

Butch


This.



jlf1961 -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 1:39:30 PM)

The reason for the large amount of water I drink is that I am doing a lot outside, and being west Texas, the heat is notable.



ShaharThorne -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 2:02:12 PM)

That is still too much water to drink, Jeff. I drink close to a gallon a day and I don't really exercise, just walk around a bit. I also take Lasix (80mg) daily for the edema. I drink one soda a week and it is diet MD. I do allow myself one glass of diet green tea for my sweet tooth. I take 2 fish oil pills and a prenatal vitamin daily and this morning, I weighed in at 257. The thyroid medicine is finally working.




jlf1961 -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 2:38:27 PM)

Another point is that I donate plasma, and they recommend at least 2 gallons of water to make donating easier.



Rule -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 3:47:22 PM)

Stop donating blood.



angelikaJ -> RE: I am in trouble (5/4/2013 3:55:58 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: jlf1961

The reason for the large amount of water I drink is that I am doing a lot outside, and being west Texas, the heat is notable.


Yes, but electrolytes are all water soluble.
Too much water and you are literally flushing them away.




Page: [1] 2   next >   >>

Valid CSS!




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy
0.03125