High potassium levels can be the result of something as simple as medications you're taking or as serious as kidney disease. When you have too much potassium in your blood, you can suffer nerve and tissue damage as well as kidney problems, according to MayoClinic.com. A solid treatment plan that involves your doctor as well as some at-home strategies can successfully bring your potassium down to healthy levels.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about your medications. Certain medications, such as blood pressure medicines and NSAID pain relievers, can increase potassium levels. Ask your doctor about alternate medications and types of treatment.
Step 2
Have your kidney function evaluated. High potassium can indicate a problem with your kidneys and their ability to remove potassium from your bloodstream. Take any medications your doctor prescribes, such as diuretics and calcium, to help lower your levels.
Step 3
Eat a low-potassium diet prescribed to patients with chronic kidney disease. Eat no more than 1/2-cup serving at each meal of high potassium foods such as cantaloupe, bananas, dates, nuts, beans and chocolate. Avoid salt substitutes because they're made from potassium .
Step 4
Drink plenty of water to encourage healthy kidney function. When you're severely dehydrated, your kidneys can fail to remove potassium from your bloodstream.
Step 5
Have your levels checked often to make sure your potassium levels stay below 5.1, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Consider dialysis treatments if other methods fail to bring your potassium levels down enough.
Member Comments