The mineral potassium helps regulate nerve and muscle function, and it is one of the electrolytes that maintain fluid balance in your body. High blood serum potassium, or hyperkalemia, can develop from acute factors like dehydration and medication side effects or from severe underlying medical problems like kidney dysfunction or diabetes. Diet also plays a role in maintaining potassium balance. In the event of hyperkalemia, medical intervention is warranted to prevent severe, life-threatening complications.
Step 1
Get a physical health exam and blood serum potassium level for accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, tingling in the extremities or difficulty breathing can signal high potassium levels. Your physician can determine if symptoms are related to hyperkalemia.
Step 2
Follow physician-prescribed medication instructions. Prescribed medications used to treat hyperkalemia include diuretics, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, or sodium bicarbonate.
Step 3
Limit high-potassium foods in your diet. Bananas, raisins, nuts, potatoes, salmon and beans are natural sources of potassium. Reduce your daily intake of potassium-rich foods until you get your serum levels stabilized or as otherwise directed by your physician.
Step 4
Drink plenty of water daily to avoid the risk of dehydration. Serum potassium levels can rise if you are not getting enough water in your daily diet. The daily recommended intake of water varies per person but generally you should drink 64 oz. of water per day unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Step 5
Avoid supplements with added potassium. Supplements including multivitamins often contain potassium. Do not take added potassium unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Tips and Warnings
- Seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden and severe heart palpitations, muscle weakness or paralysis related to high potassium levels.
- Noni juice is high in potassium and should be avoided if you have hyperkalemia.
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