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Although potassium is vital for the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, excessively high potassium levels may signal serious health issues, such as chronic kidney disease. Normal potassium levels should range from to 5.0 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter). A potassium level higher than this range suggests an electrolyte imbalance known as hyperkalemia, which can cause severe health effects. You can naturally reduce excess potassium in the body by drinking more water, cutting back on milk and fruit juices, and adopting a low-potassium diet. However, severe cases may require medical intervention.
Steps
Adjust Fluid Intake
Drink Plenty of Water. Dehydration is one of the primary causes of hyperkalemia. Drinking 10-12 cups of water each day will help maintain stable potassium levels.
- If you don’t like plain water, try adding a slice of fruit to enhance the flavor. Another option is to drink more tea.
Limit dairy consumption, as most dairy products are high in potassium. You should restrict your milk intake to 2 servings (no more than 1 cup). Generally, rice milk is an acceptable alternative.
Tip: You can still drink tea and coffee, but consider switching to dairy-free creamers.
Avoid fruit juices. Many fruit and vegetable juices—especially orange and carrot juice—are high in potassium. Some fruit blends may include fruits like grapes and cranberries, which are suitable for a low-potassium diet, but you should ensure that the juice doesn't contain fruits with high potassium levels.
- Be cautious with smoothies; many contain bananas, which are very high in potassium.
Follow a low-potassium diet
Eliminate high-potassium foods. Certain foods to avoid include bananas, tomato sauce, beet greens, plums, avocados, oranges, shellfish, broccoli, and cooked spinach.
Tip: Soak fresh fruit in water for a few hours before eating to reduce its potassium content.
Follow a low-potassium diet. Avoid eating brown rice, pasta, and whole grains (such as bran). Instead, opt for white rice and white bread, as these foods are low in potassium. You can also include fruits like berries and grapes; for vegetables, you can consume kale, cauliflower, and corn.
Eat lean protein. Lean protein is suitable for a low-potassium diet, as long as you eat in smaller portions. When preparing chicken, turkey, and pork, limit the portion size to about the size of your fist.
Avoid packaged foods. Many packaged foods use potassium chloride as a seasoning substitute for salt. This ingredient is particularly harmful if you're trying to reduce your potassium intake. When purchasing frozen foods or canned tomato sauce, always check the ingredient list to ensure there is no potassium chloride.
Reduce potassium in foods. This method is not a fully effective way to remove all potassium from high-potassium foods, and should be used sparingly. However, if you're craving foods that are particularly high in potassium, you can use this technique to lower the potassium intake. This method can be applied to foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and winter squash.
- Peel and soak vegetables in cold water to prevent browning.
- Cut vegetables into thick slices about 0.3 cm wide.
- Rinse with warm water for a few seconds.
- Soak vegetables in warm water for at least 2 hours. The amount of water should be 10 times the amount of vegetables. If you soak for longer, change the water every 4 hours.
- Rinse vegetables again under warm water for a few seconds.
- Cook the vegetables with 5 times the amount of water.
When to Seek Medical Help
Consult a doctor if you're unsure about the cause of your excess potassium. High potassium levels are often a sign of an underlying condition. This means that a doctor will need to address that condition for you to recover fully. Although dehydration or certain medications can cause this condition, excess potassium could also be the result of a serious health issue like kidney disease. Some common causes include:
- Dehydration
- Medications such as beta-blockers
- Overuse of potassium supplements
- Acute kidney failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Addison's disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Hemolysis
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of excess potassium. You may not experience any symptoms if your potassium levels are only slightly elevated. However, as potassium levels rise, you may notice severe symptoms that require medical attention. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Paralysis
- Abnormal heart rhythms (Arrhythmia)
- Nausea
See a doctor if dietary changes are ineffective. While changing your diet and drinks usually helps, you may still experience high potassium levels. If you've tried everything but haven't seen results, consult with your doctor. They may provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Additionally, your doctor may decide to treat your underlying condition differently.
Tip: Your doctor may refer you to a nutritionist to design a low-potassium meal plan that still suits your tastes.
Ask your doctor about potassium-binding medications if other methods fail. These medications bind to the excess potassium in your body and help remove it. This may be an option if dietary changes haven't been effective. However, not everyone responds well to this medication, so follow your doctor's instructions.
- For some people, potassium binders can cause stomach discomfort, so your doctor will only prescribe them if the benefits outweigh the side effects.
Advice
- Discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking. The following drugs can increase potassium levels: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, injectable anticoagulants (heparin), immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine), and antibiotics like trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.
- Excessively low potassium levels are also dangerous. If you are actively lowering your potassium levels, it is crucial to visit your doctor for regular check-ups to monitor your potassium levels.
