Increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia) can be caused by decreased elimination of potassium (usually due to kidney disorders) or from increased production of potassium (due to tumors or cell damage in the body). Certain medications can also cause high potassium levels. High levels of potassium can be very dangerous, causing abnormal heart rhythms and even death. If you are a kidney failure patient, you have probably been told to watch your potassium levels.
Step 1
Gather all of your medications together. Ask your physician which medications may cause elevated potassium or harm the kidneys. Find out if any of these medications can be reduced or eliminated. Do not start any new medications (even over-the-counter medications and herbs) without consulting the doctor who treats your potassium levels.
Step 2
Avoid salt substitutes completely, because they are normally made with potassium.
Step 3
Choose low potassium foods wherever possible. Get a list of the potassium content found in food (see Resources below), print it out and take it to the grocery store when you do your food shopping.
Step 4
Go through your kitchen and gather a list of the foods that you normally keep on hand. Check carefully for foods that have a lot of potassium in them, and avoid them. For example, fruits such as oranges and papayas have a lot of potassium. Vegetables can be prepared by boiling (drain off the water) in order to remove much of the potassium.
Tips and Warnings
- Your doctor may be able to prescribe diuretics (water pills) to reduce your potassium.
- Do not try to lower your potassium without the assistance of your doctor. You will need to have potassium levels checked regularly with a blood test. Abnormal potassium levels can kill you. Irregular or slow pulse, nausea or weakness may be signs of abnormally high potassium. If you have high potassium and develop these symptoms, call your doctor or your dialysis center right away.
Things You'll Need
- List of your medications
- List of your foods
- Potassium chart
