The Missing Mineral That Could Be Driving Your Fatigue, Blood Pressure, and Inflammation
At Apollo Health, we spend a lot of time looking at what's missing—not just what's "off."
Lately, one mineral keeps popping up as a quiet driver of everything from fatigue and fluid retention to blood pressure problems and inflammation.
That mineral is potassium—and chances are, you're not getting nearly enough of it.
Why Potassium Actually Matters
Most people think of potassium as “the banana mineral,” but that’s just scratching the surface. Potassium plays a key role in:
Blood pressure regulation
Brain and nerve function
Muscle performance (including the heart)
Acid-base balance and cellular hydration
Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
Here’s the problem: the recommended minimum intake is 4,700 mg/day. Most people in the U.S. are getting closer to 2,600 mg/day. That’s almost a 50% gap—and it has real consequences.
Our ancestors? They averaged 8,000–15,000 mg/day, mostly from fruits, roots, greens, and wild plants. They didn’t deal with chronic hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or daily energy crashes.
It’s Not Just About Salt—It’s About Balance
The mainstream advice is always “cut salt.” And yes, Americans eat way too much sodium—especially from processed foods.
But the real issue is the ratio of potassium to sodium.
Our biology is designed for a potassium:sodium ratio of 5:1 to 10:1
Most modern diets are 1:1 or worse
When that ratio is off, you don’t just see high blood pressure. You get oxidative stress, reduced nitric oxide production, fluid retention, and increased vascular stiffness—all of which make you feel tired, inflamed, and bloated.
Bananas Are Not the Answer
Let’s clear this up: bananas are not a good way to meet your potassium needs.
One banana has about 400 mg of potassium. That means you’d need to eat 10–12 bananas per day just to hit the minimum, not even a therapeutic dose.
Instead, go for potassium-dense foods like:
Cooked spinach or beet greens (900+ mg per cup)
Avocados (700–900 mg each)
Sweet potatoes (around 600 mg per medium one)
Lentils and beans (if tolerated)
Coconut water
High-quality potassium bicarbonate supplements
Try a 30-Day Potassium Challenge
Want to know if low potassium is affecting your health? Here’s a simple self-test:
Try increasing your potassium intake for 30 days—with food and a professionally-guided supplement protocol—and see how you feel.
Most people report:
Better energy
Less bloating
Lower or more stable blood pressure
Fewer cravings
Improved focus and mood
It’s a low-cost, low-risk experiment that could have a big upside—especially if your kidneys are healthy.
Important: Most over-the-counter potassium supplements are potassium chloride. These are not well tolerated by the gut and don’t support the acid-alkaline balance your body needs. We recommend potassium bicarbonate or whole-food mineral blends, which are safe, well absorbed, and gentle on digestion.
Ready to Test and Optimize?
If you’ve been dealing with:
Afternoon fatigue or crashes
High-normal or rising blood pressure
Fluid retention
Brain fog
Salt cravings
…it’s worth digging deeper.
We offer lab testing to assess potassium levels, kidney function, and cardiovascular risk—and we’ll guide you through a safe, personalized plan.
Let’s stop guessing. Let’s test and adjust.
At Apollo Health, we don’t just treat symptoms—we look for what your body is missing so it can heal and adapt.
If you’re ready to feel better and build long-term health, the potassium challenge is a great place to start.
Ask us at your next visit, or call the office to learn more.
👉Book your LAB REVIEW (Zoom with me) Just reply to this email, text 914-381-7577, or talk to Mike or Luisa to grab a time. Click here to email us to schedule your lab review
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The office will be closed on 07/21-07/22 (Monday-Tuesday).
07/23 (Wednesday) from 3:30 - 7pm ONLY.
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