Diet to reduce high potassium levels:

How can I lower my potassium levels they are slightly high can u please guide me on what foods to purchase that will help me achieve this goal?

Potassium is the major cation of the intracellular fluid and is also present in small amounts in extra cellular fluid.



Potassium is involved in maintaining the normal water balance, osmotic equilibrium and acid base balance. It is also involved in maintaining the neuromuscular activity and promoting cellular growth. Adequate intracellular potassium is necessary for biosynthesis of proteins by ribosome whereas extra cellular potassium influences cardiac muscle activity. 

The minimum requirement of potassium for adults is 1.6 to 2.0 Gms (40 to 50 mEq) per day. For infants the requirement ranges from 500 to 1000 mg per day and for children the requirements can increase up to 2000 mgs per day.



Potassium is readily absorbed from the small intestine. Potassium is mainly excreted through urine and very little is lost through the feces. The rich sources of potassium are banana, orange, pineapple, potato, beans, chicken and liver. Tender coconut water is a rich source of potassium.

Potassium usually requires restriction, depending on the individual's body size, serum potassium level and the frequency of dialysis.



The plasma or serum concentration of potassium is 3.4 to 5.0 mEq/l. Increase in the concentration of serum potassium can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia. This is generally observed in renal failure, Addison's disease, diabetic coma, severe dehydration, intravenous administration of fluids containing excessive potassium salts. This condition can lead to depression of central nervous system, mental confusion, bradycardia and cardiac arrest. Thus a low potassium diet can lead to low levels of potassium in the body. Thus restricting the potassium in the diet can lead to maintenance of normal potassium levels.

Certain guidelines that can help in reducing the potassium levels in the diet are:

1. Avoid salt substitutes that are rich in potassium.
2. Avoid herbs and seasonings that are rich in potassium.
3. As fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium, the intake of these needs to be checked. Few changes in the dietary pattern can lower the potassium levels. Choose apples, berries and grapes, either as a fruit or its juice form rather than oranges or kiwi. Select a small piece of water melon. Avoid mangoes or papaya. Select low potassium canned fruit cocktails rather than fresh fruits. Choose green beans, wax beans instead of dried beans or peas.
   
   
   
   Prepare mashed potatoes that have been leached instead of French fries or baked potatoes. Prefer preparations with onions, mushrooms or garlic.
4. Avoid milk or any other dairy products like yogurt or puddings prepared with milk. Prefer non dairy creamer.
5. Avoid chocolate or chocolate flavored desserts. Avoid consumption of nuts or seeds. Prefer hard candies, unsalted popcorns or pretzels.
6. Leach high potassium vegetables if you cannot avoid them. Leaching can remove some amount of potassium. 
7. Check the serving size especially for potassium. As all foods contain some amount of potassium, it is necessary to avoid consumption of large amounts of potassium containing foods.
8. Take an advice from a dietitian in terms of selecting right amount and type of food to reduce the potassium levels in the body.