Mineral balance crucial to hot-weather health
Q. I am in the construction industry and have to deal with all kinds of weather. I am also an emergency medical technician with 18 years of experience.
On July 19, I died. Fortunately for me, I was with co-workers when I passed out with no vital signs. They immediately started CPR while waiting for the on-site medics to arrive.
The medical team had a defibrillator with them, and I was resuscitated within a few minutes.
When I arrived at the hospital, my potassium level was critically low. The temperature in the facility that day was greater than 109 degrees. I was drinking water, but plain water can “wash” potassium out of the body.
Anyone working in heat and humidity, or even just stuck in an apartment without air conditioning, should replenish minerals as well as water.
A. We’re glad you survived this close call. People are often told to drink lots of water in hot weather to avoid dehydration. But it is possible to overdo this good advice.
When potassium levels drop too low, people can experience muscle weakness and cramping, trouble breathing and cardiac arrest.
Low-sodium levels have also been linked to life-threatening collapse, so maintaining mineral balance in hot weather is crucial. Sports drinks may help.
Q. I have been taking Detrol for the past two years, yet my hourly trips to the bathroom (only during the night) have not eased. Is there anything else that might allow me at least three hours of continuous sleep at night?
A. Many conditions might cause frequent nighttime urination, and your physician needs to rule them out. You may want to ask your doctor whether DDAVP (desmopressin) would be helpful. This hormone is prescribed for children who have trouble with bed-wetting because it helps regulate nighttime production of urine.
Q. I am desperate because I am having so much difficulty getting my thyroid under control. I was diagnosed with a thyroid deficiency more than 10 years ago, but I am still miserable with dry skin, cold hands and feet, memory loss, depression, constipation and hair loss. I also have elevated cholesterol, and I am convinced that all this is related to the thyroid.
My test results are inconsistent, and my doctor is not interested in adding T3 to Synthroid. Where can I learn more about these issues so I can talk intelligently with him?
A. It can be tricky to get the dose of thyroid hormone just right. Patients aren’t always told that they may need different doses during different seasons. Interactions with dietary supplements or certain drugs may also interfere with thyroid effectiveness.
The balance between T3 and T4 is important, although taking T3 is controversial. Body tissues are supposed to convert T4 to T3, but the process may not always be efficient.
We discuss this question, along with interactions and symptoms of thyroid-function imbalance, in our Guide to Thyroid Hormones. We also discussed T3 and T4 in depth with experts on our radio show. We’d like to send you a CD of this hourlong interview along with our Thyroid Guide. Others who would like this information should send $18 in check or money order to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. T-538, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Your symptoms might all be linked to your thyroid condition. We hope you will be able to find the proper dose soon.