What triggers attacks of PMC?
The Hyperkalemic forms may be triggered by potassium-rich food. Cantalopes, apricots, dried figs, kiwi fruit, peaches, raisins, banana and prunes are all high in potassium as are orange and pineapple juices and apricot and peach nectars. High potassium vegetables include; Artichoke, lentils and beans, parsnips, potato, pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, tomato juice/puree and V-8 juice. Most nuts are high in potassium as is peanut butter. Chocolate is also high in potassium. Other triggers for PMC episodes include activity or exercise. Vigorous exercise may provoke weakness which lasts for months. Getting chilled will make most PMC patients weak. Weather changes trigger episodes in some patients. There is more than one type of PMC. In some types patients must avoid potassium and in some forms they require potassium.
