Managing Potassium Labs Through Your Diet

Managing Potassium Labs through food intake

Potassium or K+ is an electrolyte that plays a very significant role within the body.  Potassium aids in the function of nerves, muscles, and the heart.  Therefore, it is very important to keep potassium labs within normal range (3.5 – 5.5 mg/dl). 

When blood potassium levels are too low (below 3.5), a person might experience:

·   Muscle twitches

·   Muscle cramps or weakness

·   Muscles that will not move (paralysis)

·   Abnormal heart rhythms

·   constipation

High blood potassium (hyperkalemia) is more common in kidney disease patients and can put someone at risk for serious health issues including weakness, nausea, paralysis, and heart problems, such as cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of high potassium can include:

• Muscle fatigue

• Weakness

• Tingling or unusual sensations

When to seek medical attention immediately from warning signs:

• Fluttering or pounding heartbeats

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Paralysis

• Nausea or vomiting

Foods that are high in potassium include:

Fruits

Apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupes, dried fruits, grapefruit juice, honeydew melons, kiwis, mangos, nectarines, orange juice, pomegranates, prunes, and raisins

Vegetables

Artichokes, beets, broccoli (cooked), Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes (white and sweet), pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, squash (acorn and butternut), and vegetable juices

Other

Bran products, beans (baked beans, lentils), milk, nuts, whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread, chocolate, and salt substitutes

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