Hyperaldosteronism, a rare disease that affects your adrenal glands, causes an imbalance of sodium and potassium in your body. This causes high blood pressure, along with low blood potassium, in people with the condition. However, it usually doesn't cause any other symptoms. You may not realize you have hyperaldosteronism unless you have high blood pressure — a common condition — and your doctor notices a low potassium result in routine blood tests. When you have hyperaldosteronism, it's particularly important to avoid becoming overweight or obese because that can raise your blood pressure further. If you already are overweight, you should try to lose the excess weight.
Step 1
Talk with your doctor about the best way to lose weight. Because you have two related health conditions — hyperaldosteronism and high blood pressure — make sure to involve your doctor in your weight-loss plans. She can help you determine how aggressively you should approach your diet and whether it's safe for you to start a moderate exercise routine.
Step 2
Consider the DASH diet plan. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, potentially can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 points, even if you have hyperaldosteronism, according to MayoClinic.com. The DASH diet, which limits sodium consumption to at least 2,300 milligrams per day, emphasizes whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables. It also allows small amounts of red meats, fats and dessert-type sweets. The DASH diet is designed for weight maintenance, not weight loss, and provides about 2,000 calories per day. You can use it for weight loss, however — just cut about 400 calories from the daily food allowance.
Step 3
Implement a regular exercise routine. Consistent aerobic exercise — even something as simple as walking around your block each day — can help you shed excess weight. Aim to burn a few hundred calories with moderate exercise five or more times per week. Good choices include brisk walking, biking and dancing.
Step 4
Avoid fad diets, especially low-carbohydrate diets. A report published in the medical journal "Diabetic Medicine" in November 2005 indicated that low-carbohydrate diets aren't safe for people with hyperaldosteronism. The study looked at an overweight 60-year-old man with undiagnosed hyperaldosteronism who had been following a low-carbohydrate diet to lose weight, but he then experienced dangerously low levels of potassium in his body because of his diet. The study's authors noted that following a low-carbohydrate diet when you have hyperaldosteronism can lead to life-threatening complications.
References
- National Adrenal Diseases Foundation: Hyperaldosteronism
- MayoClinic.com: Primary Aldosteronism - Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- MayoClinic.com: DASH Diet
- Diabetic Medicine; Life-Threatening Hypokalaemia on a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Associated with Previously Undiagnosed Primary Hyperaldosteronism; November 2005
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