Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Eat Potassium-Rich Foods
• Method 2 of 2: Take potassium supplements
• Tips
• Warnings

Potassium is an essential trace mineral that allows our body to function properly. Potassium helps conduct electrical impulses through the body. When the body is deficient in potassium, hypokalemia occurs, which is manifested by an irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, muscle pain, and constipation. If you are deficient in potassium, go to Step 1 to learn how to increase your potassium levels.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Eat Potassium-Rich Foods

In most cases, hypokalemia, or potassium deficiency, is usually caused by certain medical conditions, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Increasing potassium in food is the simplest and most effective treatment for potassium loss.

1. 1 Eat fruits rich in potassium. Bananas are known to be very rich in potassium. Indeed, one banana contains 594 mg of potassium. However, there are other fruits that can help you restore your potassium levels. These fruits include:
   • Tomatoes (one small tomato can contain 900 mg of potassium), oranges, melon, strawberries, kiwi, dried apricots, peaches, prunes, and raisins.
2. 2 Consume some potassium-rich vegetables. Fruits are not the only source of potassium. Vegetables can also boost your potassium levels. Vegetables that contain potassium include:
   • Carrots (one cup of raw carrots contains 689 mg of potassium), potatoes, spinach and other dark greens, mushrooms, and pumpkin.
3. 3 Eat protein foods that are high in potassium. Salmon is one of the best protein foods for restoring potassium levels. 85 grams of this fish typically contains about 319 mg of potassium. Lean beef and white beans are also excellent sources of potassium and protein.
4. 4 Combine some of these foods for potassium-rich meals. Eating all of these potassium-rich foods separately is certainly beneficial. Try to formulate your meals to contain as much potassium as possible. Here are some ideas:
   • Yogurt (which is rich in potassium) with bananas and raisins.
   • Boiled salmon with fried mushrooms and spinach salad.
   • Dried apricots and raw carrots appetizer.

Method 2 of 2: Take potassium supplements

1. 1 Check with your doctor before taking potassium supplements. If you are mildly deficient in potassium, eating foods rich in potassium should normalize your potassium levels. If you bought potassium supplements, take the prescribed amount - taking more can lead to diarrhea, stomach irritation and nausea, and can cause muscle weakness, slow heart rate, and irregular heartbeats.
2. 2 Take potassium supplements as pills. The pills are designed in such a way that they do not dissolve in the stomach, but in the intestines. This will help prevent stomach irritation. Potassium supplements should be taken with a glass of water.
   • Do not chew the potassium tablets as this will affect their solubility.
3. 3 Try powdered or liquid formulations. Potassium supplements are available in powder or liquid form, which can be mixed with water and drunk. For the correct dosage, you must follow your doctor's instructions. Typically, powdered and liquid potassium should be completely dissolved in ½ cup of water. Too much of this powder or liquid can irritate the stomach.
4. 4 Consider intravenous potassium. Intravenous potassium administration is strictly for extreme cases of potassium deficiency and is used under the strict supervision of a physician. If you think your potassium levels are dangerously low, talk to your doctor about giving intravenous potassium. Don't try to do it yourself. Rapid infusion can result in life-threatening arrhythmias.

Tips

• Potassium supplements are best taken after meals. This will help reduce the risk of diarrhea and indigestion.
• The safest way to replenish potassium is by eating potassium-rich foods.

Warnings

• It is vital that you follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage of potassium supplements. Do not consume more or less than the recommended dosage. In some cases, there may be some special instructions that need to be followed, especially if you are taking other medications or have certain medical conditions.
• If potassium is given intravenously, notify your doctor or nurse if a burning sensation occurs in a vein. Watch out for side effects such as heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and numbness. Intravenous potassium should be given at a very slow pace.