Your body needs certain nutrients, but in many cases there is a maximum level that your body can tolerate. Potassium levels in your blood can become too high, which leads to symptoms and a health problem called hyperkalemia. Your body can have too much potassium if you consume more than you should or if you cells release too much into your bloodstream.
Causes of High Potassium
According to PubMed Health, hyperkalemia can be caused by kidney disease, a low level of aldosterone hormone in your body, improper dietary consumption or severe tissue injury. These injuries include surgery, burns, gastrointestinal bleeding, tumors or due to a breakdown of your muscle tissue called rhabdomyolysis. This can lead to symptoms of nausea, an irregular heartbeat and a slow, weak or absent pulse. If you have these symptoms and you are concerned about your potassium levels, consider a potassium test.
Potassium Test
A potassium test is a blood test that your doctor performs. It will measure the amount of potassium that is circulating in your bloodstream. The ideal potassium level in your blood is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L, according to PubMed Health. Any number that is higher than this is referred to as hyperkalemia. If you have this test performed and you are diagnosed with hyperkalemia, your doctor will be able to determine the best form of treatment.
Potassium and Diet
One way to ensure that your potassium levels are in the ideal range is to consume appropriate amounts through your diet. The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of potassium is 4,700 mg for adults. Oregon State University states that extremely high doses of potassium can lead to severe hyperkalemia. These doses, over 18 g, are well over the RDA and are not likely if you eat a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of dietary potassium, but potassium is also found in meats, dairy products and nuts. Consuming the appropriate amount of potassium can prevent another condition known as hypokalemia, which is low blood potassium.
Considerations
When you eat potassium-rich foods, your kidneys eliminate any extra potassium that is in your system. If your kidneys have trouble eliminating the excess potassium, you could develop hyperkalemia. Therefore, if you have symptoms of this condition and you eat properly, you may have a medical problem related to your kidney function. In this case, talk to your doctor about your potassium levels and avoid large intakes from dietary sources.
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