13- POTASSIUM: The Most Important Electrolyte Yet an Ignored Epidemic - Dr. Berg

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hXpb3T96PU

Key: C. Potassium

Explanation: Dr. Berg states that potassium (K⁺) requires about 4,700 mg per day, which is higher than sodium (1,500–2,300 mg), calcium (1,000 mg), and magnesium (420 mg).

Which electrolyte requires the highest daily intake according to Dr. Berg?

A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Magnesium

Key: B. Conduct electrical impulses

Explanation: Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that conduct electricity in water, helping with nerve impulses and muscle function.

What is the main function of electrolytes in the body?

A. Provide fiber for digestion
B. Conduct electrical impulses
C. Store glucose
D. Produce enzymes

Key: C. 30%

Explanation: According to Dr. Berg, about 30% of all body energy is used by the sodium-potassium pump to maintain cellular energy and electrical balance.

What percentage of the body’s energy is said to be used by the sodium-potassium pump?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 50%

Key: C. Keep sodium out and potassium in

Explanation: The sodium-potassium pump moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, maintaining electrical potential across cell membranes.

The sodium-potassium pump helps to:

A. Store calcium in bones
B. Keep sodium inside the cell and potassium outside
C. Keep sodium out and potassium in
D. Produce red blood cells

Key: A. Muscle cramps

Explanation: Dr. Berg mentions that potassium deficiency often causes cramping, especially in the calves and feet, due to impaired muscle contraction.

Which of the following conditions can low potassium cause?

A. Muscle cramps
B. High energy levels
C. Clear skin
D. Improved sleep

Key: A. It increases stomach acid and helps protein digestion

Explanation: Potassium helps maintain proper pH in the stomach, allowing digestive enzymes like peptase to become active and digest protein effectively.

What is one of potassium’s main roles in digestion?

A. It increases stomach acid and helps protein digestion
B. It neutralizes all stomach acid
C. It slows down metabolism
D. It prevents vitamin absorption

Key: A. Swelling in ankles

Explanation: Low potassium can cause fluid retention (edema), especially around the ankles, due to imbalance between sodium and potassium.

Which symptom is associated with a lack of potassium according to Dr. Berg?

A. Swelling in ankles
B. Increased appetite
C. Weight gain
D. Improved blood flow

Key: B. Avocado

Explanation: One avocado contains about 700–800 mg of potassium, which is more than a banana (≈300 mg).

Which food has the highest potassium content per serving among those listed by Dr. Berg?

A. Banana
B. Avocado
C. Bread
D. Pasta

Key: B. Low vegetable consumption

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that the average person eats only about 1½ cups of vegetables per day, which provides far less potassium than required.

What is the main reason most people are deficient in potassium?

A. Excessive protein intake
B. Low vegetable consumption
C. Too much exercise
D. Lack of sun exposure

Key: B. Potassium levels drop

Explanation: Dr. Berg describes an experience of rapid heartbeat and sleeplessness after eating lots of sugar, which he attributes to potassium depletion caused by high sugar intake.

What happens when a person consumes too much sugar according to Dr. Berg’s story?

A. Potassium levels increase
B. Potassium levels drop
C. Magnesium levels increase
D. Blood pressure decreases

Key: B. Insulin

Explanation: Dr. Berg mentions that potassium helps prevent insulin resistance, improving how insulin functions to move nutrients and fuel into cells.

Potassium helps regulate which important hormone related to blood sugar?

A. Cortisol
B. Insulin
C. Adrenaline
D. Estrogen

Key: B. Insulin resistance may increase

Explanation: Potassium deficiency is linked to reduced insulin sensitivity, meaning the cells don’t respond to insulin properly.

When potassium is low, what typically happens to blood sugar regulation?

A. Blood sugar becomes more stable
B. Insulin resistance may increase
C. Blood sugar levels drop too low
D. The pancreas stops producing insulin

Key: C. Potassium

Explanation: Dr. Berg states that glycogen — stored glucose in the liver and muscles — is also stored along with potassium molecules.

Glycogen, the stored form of glucose, also contains which mineral?

A. Calcium
B. Magnesium
C. Potassium
D. Zinc

Key: B. Because glycogen and water are depleted

Explanation: During the first days of keto, stored glycogen and its water content (which includes potassium) are lost, increasing the need for electrolyte replacement.

Why do people often lose potassium when starting a ketogenic diet?

A. Because of low fat intake
B. Because glycogen and water are depleted
C. Because of excess calcium
D. Because they eat too much fruit

Key: A. Sodium

Explanation: Dr. Berg emphasizes the balance between sodium and potassium — not just lowering sodium, but increasing potassium to control blood pressure.

What mineral works closely with potassium to maintain healthy blood pressure?

A. Sodium
B. Zinc
C. Iron
D. Phosphorus

Key: B. Increase potassium intake

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that increasing potassium intake often lowers blood pressure naturally, especially when potassium is low relative to sodium.

What simple dietary change can help reduce high blood pressure, according to Dr. Berg?

A. Lower potassium intake
B. Increase potassium intake
C. Reduce protein
D. Avoid magnesium

Key: B. Kidneys

Explanation: Contrary to myths, Dr. Berg says potassium is beneficial for kidney health, unless someone has end-stage kidney failure (stage 5).

Potassium is said to help protect which organ from damage?

A. Lungs
B. Kidneys
C. Skin
D. Pancreas

Key: A. Kidney stones and gout

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that potassium citrate helps keep the body more alkaline, preventing uric acid crystals (gout) and kidney stone formation.

Potassium citrate can help prevent which two conditions?

A. Kidney stones and gout
B. Heartburn and ulcers
C. Anemia and fatigue
D. Constipation and gas

Key: B. You retain excess fluid

Explanation: Low potassium can lead to fluid retention or edema, especially in the ankles, because sodium remains unbalanced.

What happens to the body’s fluid balance when potassium is too low?

A. You lose too much water
B. You retain excess fluid
C. You become dehydrated only when sweating
D. No change occurs

Key: B. Potassium levels decrease

Explanation: Stress causes the body to use up potassium reserves, which can lead to fatigue, tension, and higher blood pressure.

According to Dr. Berg, what happens when stress levels are high?

A. Potassium levels increase
B. Potassium levels decrease
C. Sodium levels decrease
D. Magnesium levels increase

Key: B. Drinking too much water

Explanation: Excessive water intake flushes out electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, especially if you’re also sweating.

Which of the following can quickly deplete potassium from the body?

A. Eating vegetables
B. Drinking too much water
C. Resting and sleeping
D. Taking vitamin D

Key: A. Low potassium and electrolyte levels

Explanation: During fasting, electrolytes like potassium and magnesium may drop, leading to dizziness or weakness if not supplemented.

Why might fasting lead to dizziness or weakness, according to Dr. Berg?

A. Low potassium and electrolyte levels
B. Too much protein
C. Lack of vitamins
D. Low fiber intake

Key: C. Magnesium

Explanation: Dr. Berg notes that both potassium and magnesium are important for muscle relaxation and preventing cramps.

What mineral, along with potassium, helps muscles relax and prevents cramps?

A. Calcium
B. Iron
C. Magnesium
D. Zinc

Key: C. Helps relax the nervous system

Explanation: Dr. Berg describes potassium as calming, helping reduce tension and aiding relaxation, similar to magnesium’s effect.

Potassium acts as a “physiological tranquilizer” because it:

A. Raises blood pressure
B. Tenses the muscles
C. Helps relax the nervous system
D. Increases adrenaline levels

Key: B. Eat leafy greens and avocados

Explanation: Dr. Berg recommends leafy greens (7–10 cups daily) and avocados as the best dietary sources of potassium.

What is the best natural way to get enough potassium, according to Dr. Berg?

A. Take 47 potassium pills a day
B. Eat leafy greens and avocados
C. Drink fruit juice
D. Eat more bread and pasta

Key: A. To prevent overdose risks

Explanation: U.S. regulations limit OTC potassium supplements to 99 mg to reduce the risk of heart rhythm problems if taken in excess.

Why are potassium supplements limited to 99 mg per tablet?

A. To prevent overdose risks
B. Because it’s not easily absorbed
C. Because potassium is not needed daily
D. To make supplements cheaper

Key: B. During vomiting or diarrhea

Explanation: Both vomiting and diarrhea cause significant potassium loss, which can lead to weakness and dehydration.

When does the body lose potassium through fluid loss?

A. When sleeping
B. During vomiting or diarrhea
C. When relaxing
D. When eating salt

Key: B. They may faint or feel dizzy

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that fasting without proper electrolyte levels can cause dizziness or fainting, especially if potassium or magnesium are low.

What happens if a person lacks potassium and magnesium before starting a fast?

A. They absorb more nutrients
B. They may faint or feel dizzy
C. Their energy increases
D. They retain water

Key: B. Ketogenic diet

Explanation: On the keto diet, the body runs on ketones instead of glucose, reducing the need for glycogen and potassium storage.

According to Dr. Berg, which diet reduces the body’s need for glycogen storage and potassium?

A. High-carb diet
B. Ketogenic diet
C. Vegan diet
D. Low-fat diet

Key: B. Depletes potassium

Explanation: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to fluid and electrolyte loss, including potassium.

What effect does alcohol have on potassium levels?

A. Increases potassium
B. Depletes potassium
C. Has no effect
D. Stores potassium in the liver

Key: C. Peristalsis

Explanation: Dr. Berg explains that potassium supports the pumping action of the colon, known as peristalsis, which moves stool through the digestive tract. A deficiency can lead to constipation.

Potassium helps the colon move waste through a process called:

A. Absorption
B. Fermentation
C. Peristalsis
D. Filtration

Key: B. It reduces colon muscle contractions

Explanation: Without enough potassium, the muscles of the digestive tract can’t contract properly, causing slow bowel movement and constipation.

A lack of potassium can lead to constipation because:

A. It slows down bile production
B. It reduces colon muscle contractions
C. It increases stomach acid too much
D. It decreases water absorption

Key: B. Calcium

Explanation: Dr. Berg mentions that potassium helps regulate calcium levels and prevents calcium buildup in the arteries (vascular calcification).

Potassium helps prevent vascular calcification by regulating which mineral?

A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Iron
D. Zinc

Key: B. The correct pH balance

Explanation: Potassium helps the body maintain proper acid-base balance (pH) so enzymes, especially digestive ones, can function efficiently.

Potassium helps enzymes work properly by maintaining:

A. Body temperature
B. The correct pH balance
C. Blood viscosity
D. Protein structure

Key: C. Not enough potassium

Explanation: According to Dr. Berg, people who react negatively to salt often have low potassium, not excessive sodium — balancing the two minerals helps normalize blood pressure.

People who are “salt sensitive” usually have:

A. Too much potassium
B. Too much calcium
C. Not enough potassium
D. Low blood sugar