Our body needs potassium and other vital minerals, especially for digestive and muscular purposes. An anomaly in potassium level can cause several body complications. Potassium, when it is in excess adversely affects the health of the affected individual.
Potassium, which acts as an electrolyte has to be maintained at optimal level for the body to stay healthy. Certain diseases like kidney failure and lower kidney function leads to the alteration of potassium level.
High level of potassium in the blood
Potassium is mostly produced in the kidney. But when the kidney potential gets lowered, rise in blood potassium level is what follows next.
Certain medications when taken frequently causes potassium level in the blood to rise. Regular consumption of potassium supplement also causes rise in potassium level. Hormonal deficiency has also been identified as a major cause of high potassium.
High potassium can only be detected through electrocardiogram, a form of blood analysis. Below are some of the symptoms which accompany high potassium level in the blood.
- Reduced pulse rate
- Uneasiness
- Muscle cramps
- Gastrointestinal cramps and diarrhea
- General weakness of the body
- Lowered reflexes and stuttering
Patients who are victims of chronic kidney disease need to closely monitor their potassium level.
Ways of lowering potassium naturally
Medical attention should immediately be sought once high potassium level has been diagnosed. This unpleasant health condition can be naturally treated at home by the following ways:
- Increased consumption of calcium-filled diet. Researchers have discovered that sufficient intake of calcium can inhibit the absorption of potassium in the body. Foods like milk, cheese and yoghurt are all rich in calcium, and so needs to be consumed the more.
- Eating garlic first thing every morning and during evenings also works. For increased effectiveness, eat with a glass of milk. Garlic, due to its high calcium content inhibits the absorption of potassium in the body.
- Drink water in sufficient quantity: Water when consumed in sufficient amount helps flush away potassium build up. However, if you suffer from kidney disorder, first consult with a physician before increasing your water intake. This is because consuming water in excess quantity will strain a malfunctioning kidney.
- Reduce the intake of coffee and colas. Also, desist from consuming alcohol. Doing this will help keep potassium level in the body at optimal level.
- Avoid foods like banana, potatoes, yams, papaya and avocado as they are rich in potassium.
- Vegetables and fruits like cauliflower, lettuce, canned food, berries and peaches shouldn’t be missing from your diet.
- Frequent exercising also helps. You don’t have to hit the gym to exercise your body. Simply taking a walk for 30 minutes will do.
- Following up with a medical expert will also help
You can consider adding herbs like alfalfa, dandelion and horsetail to your diet as they effective at lowering potassium level in the body.
I. Lowering Potassium Level Naturally
Maintaining a healthy potassium level is essential for our bodies to function properly and avoid potential health complications. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve function, but too much of the mineral can lead to dangerous medical conditions such as hyperkalemia, which can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and even death. Fortunately, there are natural and safe remedies you can use to lower potassium levels and keep your health in check.
The first step to reducing potassium levels is to maintain a healthy diet. Avoid processed foods, such as canned and packaged goods, and limit your intake of high-potassium foods, such as bananas, potatoes, oranges, and tomatoes. Eating more low-potassium foods, such as apples, strawberries, and watermelon, can help balance out your diet. Drinking plenty of water is also essential, as it can help flush out excess potassium from the body. Reducing your intake of sodium and caffeine can also help lower potassium levels naturally.
In addition to diet and water intake, increasing physical activity and reducing stress can also help to lower potassium levels naturally. Taking a relaxing Epsom salt bath can be beneficial for both relaxation and reducing potassium levels. Additionally, taking magnesium supplements and herbs such as dandelion root, hawthorn berries, and nettle can help reduce potassium levels naturally.
Potassium is an essential mineral for maintaining good health, but it is important to keep your levels in check. By following these natural remedies, you can take control of your potassium levels, reduce the risk of health complications, and lead a healthier and more balanced life.
A. Increase Fluid Intake
Are you feeling fatigued and drained? Are you having difficulty concentrating? If so, it’s possible that you’re experiencing high potassium levels in your body. High potassium levels can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, confusion, muscle weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. Luckily, there are ways to naturally lower your potassium levels.
One of the most effective methods is to increase your fluid intake. Drinking more water can help flush out excess potassium in the body, so make sure to drink plenty of it each day. Additionally, try to limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, as both substances can be diuretics and increase the risk of dehydration. Increasing your intake of natural diuretics, such as cranberry juice, dandelion tea, and parsley tea, can also help lower your potassium levels. Eating more foods that are high in potassium, like bananas and oranges, can also reduce your overall potassium levels. At the same time, try to avoid foods that are high in sodium, as they can contribute to higher potassium levels in your body.
It’s important to note that increasing your fluid intake should be accompanied by a decrease in salty foods. This will help prevent dehydration, which can also lead to higher potassium levels. By following these simple steps, you can help reduce your potassium levels naturally and get back to feeling your best. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and limiting your intake of sodium-rich foods can all help you maintain healthy potassium levels. So, take control of your health and start feeling your best today!
B. Limit High Potassium Foods
Are you looking for ways to naturally reduce your potassium levels? High potassium levels can lead to serious health problems, so its important to take steps to lower them. Fortunately, there are some simple dietary changes you can make to keep your potassium levels in check and improve your health.
The first step is to consume a low-potassium diet. This means avoiding foods that are high in potassium such as bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, oranges, melons, spinach, and nuts. Processed foods should also be avoided as they can be high in salt and may contain hidden sources of potassium. Dairy products should be limited, as these can contain significant amounts of potassium. Salt substitutes should also be avoided, as many of these contain potassium chloride.
It’s important to identify which foods are low in potassium so that you can focus on consuming those instead. Nutrient-dense, low-potassium foods such as leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and other vegetables should be prioritized. Low-potassium fruits include apples, pears, and berries. Grains such as rice and quinoa are also good options. And of course, processed and canned foods should be avoided, as they often have added salt and other preservatives that can raise potassium levels.
Making these dietary changes and incorporating lifestyle modifications can help you get your potassium levels under control and ensure your long-term health. If you’re looking to lower your potassium levels naturally, start by consulting with your doctor and/or dietitian for a list of foods and beverages that are low in potassium. With the right diet and lifestyle changes, you can start to improve your health and lower your potassium levels.
C. Eat More Low Potassium Foods
Having high potassium levels can lead to a variety of health complications, so it’s important to keep your levels in check. Luckily, there are plenty of low-potassium foods that you can include in your diet to help keep your levels balanced. In this blog post, we will explore the best low-potassium foods that you can eat to maintain healthy potassium levels.
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, some of the best low-potassium options include apples, apricots, beets, carrots, celery, green beans, lettuce, mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, squash, and zucchini. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are also great sources of low potassium, and grains like rice, wheat, and oats are also good options. You can also get your protein from lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish. Packaged foods such as crackers, chips, and cereals can also be good low potassium options. Just make sure to always read food labels to ensure that the products are low in potassium.
Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding potassium. Some of the best herbs and spices to use are garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Oil and fats such as olive oil and vegetable oil are also low in potassium. When it comes to beverages, stick to water, herbal tea and coffee.
It is important to limit high potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach. Reducing the intake of processed foods and drinks such as soda, fruit juice, and sports drinks can also help to lower potassium levels.
By following these simple tips, you can easily reduce your potassium levels and maintain a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet of low-potassium foods, limiting high-potassium foods and beverages, and adding flavor with herbs and spices can help keep your potassium levels in check. With a few changes to your diet, you can ensure that your potassium levels stay within a healthy range and help keep you feeling your best.
D. Take Potassium Binders
Living with chronic kidney disease or other conditions that cause high potassium levels can be difficult. If your potassium levels are too high, it can lead to a variety of complications, including heart arrhythmias and stroke. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help lower potassium levels and reduce your risk of complications. One of the most common treatments is potassium binders.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of potassium binders, including what they are, how they work, who should take them, potential side effects, and alternative treatments.
What Are Potassium Binders?
Potassium binders are medications used to lower potassium levels in people with chronic kidney disease or other conditions that cause high potassium levels. These medications bind to dietary potassium in the intestines, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Examples of potassium binders include patiromer, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, and calcium polystyrene sulfonate. It’s important to note that potassium binders should always be taken with food, as taking them on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset.
How Do Potassium Binders Work?
Potassium binders work by binding to potassium in the digestive tract and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The potassium is then eliminated in the stool. This helps to reduce the levels of potassium in the blood, which can help to reduce the risk of complications associated with high potassium levels.
Who Should Take Potassium Binders?
Potassium binders are typically recommended for people with chronic kidney disease or other conditions that cause potassium levels to be too high. However, they should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, as they may cause side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Potassium Binders?
Potassium binders may cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and dizziness. If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
Are There Any Alternatives to Potassium Binders?
If you’re not able to take potassium binders or if they’re not effective in controlling your potassium levels, there are alternatives. These include a low-potassium diet, increased water intake, and medications to reduce potassium absorption. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about the best treatment option for your condition.
When it comes to managing potassium levels in the blood, potassium binders can be a great option. However, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking potassium binders with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment. With the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, you can manage your potassium levels and reduce your risk of complications.
E. Exercise Regularly
Are you concerned about your potassium levels? Do you want to reduce your risk of high potassium levels but don’t know where to start? Exercise could be the answer! Regular exercise can help to naturally lower your body’s potassium levels, while also improving your overall health and well-being.
Exercise helps to lower potassium levels by increasing the body’s ability to excrete potassium through the kidneys. Aerobic exercise, such as running, jogging, biking, or swimming, can help to rid the body of excess potassium through sweat. Regular physical activity can also help reduce the risk of high potassium levels, as it helps to improve kidney function, which in turn helps to flush out excess potassium. Exercise also helps to promote healthy circulation, which can help reduce the risk of high potassium levels due to poor circulation.
Exercise can also help to regulate blood pressure, which can also help to reduce potassium levels. Additionally, regular exercise helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help prevent potassium levels from becoming elevated due to stress hormones. Exercise can also help to improve metabolism and reduce inflammation, both of which can help lower potassium levels. Finally, exercise can help to reduce the risk of high potassium levels due to certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.
Before beginning any exercise routine, it’s important to speak to your doctor, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition. They can help you create a safe and effective exercise plan that meets your needs and helps to lower your potassium levels. With regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of high potassium levels and improve your overall health.
Exercise is a great way to naturally reduce your potassium levels and improve your overall health and well-being. From improving kidney function to promoting healthy circulation and reducing stress and inflammation, exercise can help to reduce the risk of high potassium levels in a variety of ways. Additionally, exercise can help to reduce the risk of high potassium levels due to certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.
Before beginning any exercise routine, it’s important to speak to your doctor and create a safe and effective plan. With regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of high potassium levels and improve your overall health. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get active! Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally lower your potassium levels and improve your overall health and well-being. With the right guidance and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of high potassium levels and improve your overall health. So get out there and start exercising today!
F. Monitor Medications and Supplements
Potassium is an essential mineral for our bodies that helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure, supports muscle and nerve function, and aids in digestion. When the body is unable to properly process and excrete potassium, it can lead to elevated levels, which can cause a host of potential health issues.
If you are taking any medications or supplements, it is important to review them with your doctor to ensure they are not increasing your potassium levels. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), certain diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are all medications that can raise potassium levels and should be monitored. Additionally, potassium-containing supplements and salt substitutes should be avoided as they can also increase potassium levels. It is important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist to confirm the safety of the medications and supplements you are taking.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and should be used with caution. If you are taking any medications or supplements that could raise your potassium levels, your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or switch to a different medication or supplement to help lower your levels.
Properly monitoring your medications and supplements is critical for maintaining healthy potassium levels. Maintaining healthy potassium levels can help you avoid health issues associated with elevated potassium levels. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you are taking the right medications and supplements for your health. When it comes to your potassium levels, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.