For years I have told people that I cannot tolerate fruit or potassium supplements without getting horrible foot cramps. I even nearly died snorkeling because of it one time. But everyone said I just needed more salt in my diet. That may be true of other people who get foot cramps, but I came across some information on the internet that was like a light bulb going off in my brain.

I read an article on Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis. Hyperkalemic meaning high potassium. I started the research because of my recent spells of fatigue that were doing me in. Since my BTD has been doing little for me and I was getting more exhausted by the day, I just had to look into any possible connection to the potassium problem. I ran across the information and it really hit home. I have long had spells of paralysis with no apparent cause. I hate going to the ER and getting a huge bill and the only prescription is "Take a vacation." But my paralysis matches the symptoms of the paralysis in the articles I have read: everything is paralyzed except for my eyes, which can look around, and my breathing muscles. I can't talk or move, though. It usually lasts about an hour or less. It often happens when I am sitting or when I wake up. According to this article it is caused, not by high levels of potassium, but by fluctuations of it and it can happen even with normal levels. Other symptoms are fatigue and muscle weakness. Cramps are not mentioned! So I still feel the need to research. And oddly, I can eat some high potassium foods, like spinach, without foot cramps. The cramps come only from fruit and potassium tablets! What's up with that? It may be entirely unconnected to Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis. Any thoughts?

If you google "foot cramps from eating fruit" it gives no results, but removes the quotes and everyone tells you to eat fruit to prevent them.