Content

• Steps
• Advice

Although potassium is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and muscles in the body, too high a potassium level is an indicator of serious health problems, such as chronic kidney disease. A normal potassium level should be between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq / L (milliequivalents in one liter). A potassium level above this range is a sign of an electrolyte imbalance, called hyperkalemia, a condition that causes many serious effects. You can get rid of excess potassium naturally by drinking more water, drinking less milk and juices, and adopting a low-potassium diet. However, you should be aware that severe cases may require medical intervention.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Regulate body fluids

1. 

   
   
   Drink a lot of water. Dehydration is one of the main causes of hyperkalemia. 10-12 cups of water a day will help you maintain a steady potassium level.
   • If you do not like drinking water, cut a slice of fruit and add it to the water for flavor. Another option is to drink more tea.

2. 

   
   
   Limit dairy consumption, as most dairy products are high in potassium. You need to limit your milk intake to 2 servings (no more than 1 cup). In general, rice milk is an acceptable substitute.

   Advice: You can still drink tea and coffee, but consider switching to a non-dairy cream.

3. 

   
   
   Avoid drinking juices. There are many types of juices and vegetables - especially orange and carrot juice - that are high in potassium. Some juices blend a variety of fruits, so while some fruits like grapes and cranberries are good for a low-potassium diet, make sure the juices are free of fruits. has a high potassium content.
   • Be careful with smoothies; Many smoothies are high in bananas, one of which is very high in potassium.
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Part 2 of 3: Eat a low-potassium diet

1. 

   Eliminate foods high in potassium. Some foods to avoid include bananas, ketchup, beets, plums, avocados, oranges, clams, broccoli, and cooked spinach.

   Advice: Soak fresh fruit in water for several hours before serving to reduce the amount of potassium in the fruit.

2. 

   Eat a diet containing low potassium foods. Avoid brown rice, pasta, and other whole grains (such as bran). Instead, eat white rice and white bread, as the potassium content of these foods is low. You can also combine fruits like berries and grapes; As for vegetables, you can eat kale, cauliflower and corn.

3. 

   Eat lean protein. Lean protein is suitable for a low-potassium diet, as long as you eat it in smaller servings. When preparing chicken, turkey and pork, limit your portion sizes to about one handful.

4. 

   Avoid pre-packaged foods. Many packaged foods use potassium chloride as a seasoning instead of salt. This is a particularly dangerous ingredient if you are trying to reduce your potassium intake. When buying frozen foods or canned ketchup, be sure to check the ingredients on the package to make sure there is no potassium chloride.

5. 

   Strain down potassium in food. This is not an effective way to completely eliminate potassium from foods high in potassium and should only be used sparingly. But if you are too craving for foods that are particularly high in potassium, you can use this to reduce your potassium intake. This method is applicable to foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and winter squash.
   • Peel and soak the vegetables in cold water to prevent them from browning.
   • Slice the vegetables into slices about 0.3 cm thick.
   • Rinse with warm water for a few seconds.
   • Soak the vegetables in warm water for at least 2 hours. The amount of water soaked in vegetables should be 10 times the amount of vegetables. If you soak for longer, you need to change the water every 4 hours.
   • Wash the vegetables again under warm, running water for a few seconds.
   • Cook vegetables with 5 times more water than vegetables.
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Part 3 of 3: When to Seek

1. 

   Talk to your doctor if you don't know the cause of your excess potassium. High potassium levels are usually caused by an underlying medical condition. This means the doctor will have to treat the condition so that you can make a full recovery. Although dehydration or certain medications can sometimes cause it, excess potassium can be the result of a serious medical condition like kidney disease. Here are some common causes:
   • Dehydration
   • Medications such as beta blockers
   • Take an overdose of potassium supplements
   • Acute renal failure
   • Chronic kidney disease
   • Addison's disease
   • Type 1 diabetes
   • Destruction of red blood cells

2. 

   Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of excess potassium. You may have no symptoms if your potassium levels have just increased slightly. However, as potassium levels rise, you will likely notice some serious symptoms that require medical attention. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms appear:
   • Muscle weakness
   • Weakness
   • Paralyze
   • Abnormal heart rhythm (Arrhythmia)
   • Nausea
3. Seek medical help right away if the dietary change doesn't help. Often times, changing foods and drinks will work, but you may still find yourself having an excess of potassium. If you have tried everything and still do not find it effective, talk to your doctor. They can come up with the treatment that works best for you.
   • Also, your doctor may decide to treat your underlying condition in a different way.

   Tips: Your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian to design a low-potassium meal plan that suits your taste.

4. Ask your doctor about potassium binder medications if other methods have failed. This is a drug that binds excess potassium in your body and eliminates it. This could be an option for you if the dietary modification is not working. However, not everyone is suitable for this medication, so please follow your doctor's instructions.
   • For some people, potassium-binder pills can cause upset stomachs, so your doctor will only prescribe them if their benefits outweigh the harm.
5. Get regular blood tests to control potassium levels. Your doctor will do a CBC to check your potassium intake. Once your potassium levels are under control, it's best to get tested regularly. This will help your doctor determine if your condition is going well.
   • Although it may feel a bit uncomfortable, taking blood is usually painless. In addition, usually the doctor will also take blood at the clinic.
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Advice

• Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. The following drugs can raise potassium levels: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), beta blockers (beta-blockers), injectable anticoagulants (heparin), cyclosporine, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole antibiotics.
• Too low a potassium level is also dangerous. If you are actively lowering potassium levels in your body, it is important to see your doctor periodically to monitor your potassium levels.