How to Lower Potassium Levels
Potassium is an important mineral that helps your body function properly. It helps regulate your heartbeat, muscle contractions, and blood pressure. However, too much potassium in your blood can be dangerous. This condition is called hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors and diuretics
- Addison’s disease
- Severe burns
Symptoms of hyperkalemia can include:
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Hyperkalemia can be a serious condition if it’s not treated.
Treatment for hyperkalemia typically involves lowering your potassium intake and taking medications to remove potassium from your body. In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
How to Lower Potassium Intake
The best way to lower your potassium intake is to eat a diet that is low in potassium. This means avoiding foods that are high in potassium, such as:
- Fruits, such as bananas, oranges, and avocados
- Vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach
- Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans and lentils
- Chocolate
You should also avoid using salt substitutes, which often contain potassium.
Medications to Lower Potassium Levels
There are several medications that can be used to lower potassium levels. These medications work by increasing the amount of potassium that your body excretes in your urine.
Some of the most common medications used to lower potassium levels include:
- Kayexalate
- Patiromer
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
These medications are typically taken orally or through a nasogastric tube.
Treatment for Severe Hyperkalemia
In severe cases of hyperkalemia, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment. Treatment may include:
- Intravenous fluids to help flush potassium from your body
- Dialysis to remove potassium from your blood
- Medications to lower your potassium levels
FAQ
What is the normal range for potassium levels?
The normal range for potassium levels is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia?
Symptoms of hyperkalemia can include:
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
What are the causes of hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors and diuretics
- Addison’s disease
- Severe burns
How is hyperkalemia treated?
Treatment for hyperkalemia typically involves lowering your potassium intake and taking medications to remove potassium from your body. In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
What are the risks of untreated hyperkalemia?
Untreated hyperkalemia can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
- Heart arrhythmias
- Muscle paralysis
- Respiratory failure
- Death
