Potassium
What exactly is potassium?
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Potassium is an electrolyte and a mineral. It can be found in almost all foods, and your body needs it for a variety of functions.
It's critical to maintain a healthy potassium level in your body. Too much or too little potassium can be dangerous and even fatal if left untreated.
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Potassium is necessary for the expansion and contraction of your muscles. Because your heart is a muscle, having a healthy quantity of potassium in your body aids in the proper beating of your heart.
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Potassium is found in many foods, including bananas, but some have more than others. Potassium-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, dairy, and red meat. If you have a renal illness, your doctor may have informed you that you should limit your potassium intake.
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If you want to protect your heart, managing high potassium levels is critical. It's possible to have too much potassium in your blood. Potassium deficiency might possibly result in a heart attack or death! Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they have excessive potassium levels until it is too late and their heart health has deteriorated. If you have renal disease, talk to your doctor about the best strategies to keep your potassium levels in check.
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If you have high potassium, your doctor can inform you with a simple blood test. Potassium blood tests don't always reflect how much potassium has been in your body for a long time. Blood tests only reveal how much potassium is in your blood at the time of the test, not how much is in your body over the course of a week or month. As a result, it's critical to keep track of how much potassium you consume on a regular basis. Keeping your potassium levels under control should be a long-term goal rather than a short-term one.
What causes high potassium?
When you have kidney disease, some of the most prevalent reasons of elevated potassium are:
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Eating high-potassium foods
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Using a salt substitute that contains potassium
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They have around 800mg of potassium per ¼ teaspoon!
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Constipation
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Missing dialysis treatments
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Taking some medicines or herbal supplements*
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*Before taking any herbal supplement that may interact with your medications or medical conditions, consult your doctor.
High potassium (hyperkalemia)
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A high potassium food is one that contains 250 mg (milligrams) of potassium per serving (or more). If you're on dialysis or your doctor has advised you to eat low-potassium meals, your daily potassium goal should be 2,500 mg, with no more than 3,000 mg per day.
These goals may be adjusted by your doctor or nutritionist to meet your specific needs.
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How can I handle and treat a high potassium level?
Long-term control of high potassium levels can be achieved by eating the correct meals and using medication. Request assistance from your doctor and a dietician in developing a potassium control strategy. Find out if your insurance plan covers nutrition counseling by calling your insurance company.
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You have the ability to keep track of how much potassium enters your body on a daily basis.
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Remember that even one meal item can have a significant impact on your potassium levels.
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If you look after someone who has a high potassium level and do their grocery shopping or cook for them, you can assist them in keeping track of their potassium.
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Potassium binders
High potassium can be managed with a drug called a potassium binder in addition to regulating your diet. Potassium binders operate by clinging to potassium in the body and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This stops potassium from piling up in your blood. Potassium binders are powders that you can take by mixing them with water and drinking them. There are new solutions available if you've had side effects with potassium binders. Consult your healthcare professional to determine which potassium binder is best for you.
Symptoms of high potassium
Many people are unaware that they have high potassium levels. It's possible to have too much potassium in your blood. It has the potential to cause a heart attack. If you do experience symptoms, the following are some of the most common:
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Feeling tired or weak
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Feeling Sick To The Stomach (Nausea)
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Muscle Pains Or Cramps
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Trouble Breathing, Unusual Heartbeat, Chest Pains
What is high potassium food?
High-potassium foods
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Potassium-rich foods and beverages are those that contain more than 200 milligrams of potassium per serving.
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Examples of foods that can be high in potassium include:
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Most fish
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Chocolate
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Dairy products - Milk, cheese, yogurt
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Most meats
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Fruits -Some fruits, including: bananas, grapefruits, oranges, cantaloupes, raisins, and other dried fruits
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Beans - Black beans, pinto beans, baked beans
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Nuts - Including peanuts and peanut butter
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Vegetables - Some vegetables, including: potatoes, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, asparagus, and cooked spinach
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While many people with renal illness deal with high potassium levels, they can also suffer with low potassium, often known as hypokalemia. Low potassium levels in the blood can also be harmful to your health.
Common causes of low potassium:
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Poor appetite
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
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Certain medicines
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Symptoms of low potassium:
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Muscle weakness, cramping, twitching, or pain
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Your body feels so heavy it is hard to move–almost like paralysis
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Nausea and vomiting
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Constipation and bloating
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Abnormal heart beat
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Heart attack
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Working with your dialysis center's dietician will help you make the optimal dietary choices for your potassium levels.
Low Potassium
Low-potassium foods
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Low-potassium foods and beverages have less than 100 milligrams of potassium per serving. If you have too much potassium in your blood, your doctor or nutritionist may advise you to eat low-potassium meals.
Examples of foods that can be low in potassium include:
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Veggies - Some vegetables, including cauliflower, peppers, cucumbers
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Bread
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Rice
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Pasta
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Fruits - Some fruits, including grapes, strawberries, blueberries