Potassium can accumulate in the human body for several reasons. It can build up as a result of kidney dysfunction.
Some medications can also lead to excessive potassium.
While everyone needs potassium for the proper functioning of their hearts and muscles, it is important to know that an excess can have adverse effects.
This is why it is important to maintain optimal potassium levels to avoid any problems in the functioning of your body.
Even if the potassium levels increase in your body, there are ways to bring them down.
In this blog, we will cover how to flush excess potassium out of your body.
Let’s get started and help you explore how to flush excess potassium.
What Is Hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia which is a medical term for elevated levels of potassium indicates an excess of this essential nutrient in the bloodstream.
Present in various foods, potassium is vital for the proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, and especially your heart.
If there is an excessive accumulation of potassium in your bloodstream, it can lead to significant cardiac complications showcasing the potential dangers associated with this condition.
Now that you know what is hyperkalemia, let’s see what are its causes.
What Causes Hyperkalemia?
Here are the three main factors that can lead to hyperkalemia:
1. Kidney Dysfunction
Hyperkalemia may result from impaired kidney function.
The role of the kidney in regulating the balance between ingested and excreted potassium that is consumed through dietary intake and fluids can not be overstated.
As your kidney function deteriorates, it becomes less effective in eliminating excessive potassium from your body.
Hence, hyperkalemia can be caused as a result of advanced kidney disease.
2. Increased Potassium Intake
If you consume excessive amounts of potassium-rich foods, it can result in hyperkalemia. The probability is higher for individuals with progressive kidney diseases.
Some of the potassium-rich foods include bananas, spinach, oranges, salmon, and potatoes.
3. Use Of Certain Medications
Certain medications impair the kidney’s ability to eliminate an adequate amount of potassium from the body.
This can result in elevated potassium levels in the body and can subsequently lead to hyperkalemia.
How To Flush Excessive Potassium Out Of Your Body?
Wondering what are some of the best ways to lower potassium levels in the bloodstream?
Here’s how to flush excess potassium out of your body:
1. Stick To Low Potassium Diet
Individuals who are suffering from kidney diseases should stick to a low-potassium diet as consuming foods rich in potassium can lead to complications.
It is best to consult your healthcare provider or dietitian who can help you determine the appropriate potassium intake based on your requirements.
Both excessive and insufficient levels of potassium can lead to dangerous consequences which is why it is important to strike a balance.
Each individual’s requirements may vary which would need slight modifications to the diet to make sure they are best suited for you.
2. Avoid Specific Salt Substitutes
Make sure to keep a check on which salt substitutes are you consuming. Avoid foods that have notably high potassium content.
If you are someone who has a kidney disease, it is recommended to maintain your distance from these salt substitutes.
3. Stay Away From Herbal Remedies
When it comes to how to flush excess potassium from your body, it is suggested that you avoid any type of herbal remedies or supplements.
These herbal remedies and supplements may contain components that could elevate the levels of potassium.
As a general rule, patients with kidney diseases should refrain from using herbal supplements.
If there’s any specific query you would like to get answered, you can consult an expert healthcare professional on Ailaaj.
4. Maintain Bowel Health
To maintain lower potassium levels in your bloodstream, it is important to have consistent bowel movements.
Increasing your fiber intake can help with relieving constipation. Foods rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
There are also several fiber supplements available in the market that your healthcare provider may recommend.
If your constipation doesn’t subside, your doctor may prescribe you certain laxatives to help treat the condition.
4. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control
It is important to keep your blood sugar levels in check because they are linked to the levels of potassium in your bloodstream.
Stored in the intracellular fluid, potassium migrates out of the cell when there is an excess of glucose outside the cells (which results in high blood sugar levels).
This leads to elevated potassium levels in the bloodstream.
5. Consuming Pills Or Binders
When it comes to how to flush excess potassium out of your body, one way is to go for pills or potassium binders.
While precautions may work for some individuals, some may require medication to help eliminate excess potassium from their body and prevent it from re-accumulating.
For this, you may use:
-
Water Pills
Also known as diuretics, water pills help to expel surplus potassium from the bloodstream by stimulating the kidney to produce more urine as under normal conditions, potassium is flushed out of your body through urination.
-
Potassium Binders
Available in powder form, potassium binders are mixed with a small amount of water and taken with food.
Once ingested, it effectively binds with the surplus potassium in the intestines, aiding its removal.
You must stick to the provided instructions when it comes to potassium binders as they have the potential to interact with the functioning of other medications when taken simultaneously.
Moreover, they are not safe to use for children.
Potassium Lowering Foods
A diet low in potassium can help keep the levels of potassium in check and therefore reduce the pressure on your kidneys.
Here are some of the potassium-lowering foods you need to know about.
|
Fruits |
|
|
Vegetables |
|
|
Low-Potassium Sources of Carbohydrates |
|
|
Low-Potassium Sources of Proteins |
|
|
Low-Potassium Snacks and Drinks |
|
Table 1
While these are all potassium lowering foods, it is important to measure the amount you are consuming as anything in excess can be unhealthy.
How To Identify If Your Potassium Levels Are High?
The most straightforward way to assess the potassium concentration in your bloodstream is to go for a blood test.
Make sure to discuss the possibility of a blood test measuring the levels of potassium with your doctor.
Most individuals do not show any noticeable symptoms. In cases when symptoms do come up, they are usually mild and lack specific characteristics. This makes it difficult to identify high levels of potassium in your body on your own.
Mild symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, nausea, or any other unusual sensations.
It takes several weeks or even months to develop a high potassium concentration of a mild nature.
The optimal range for most individuals when it comes to the levels of potassium in their blood falls between 3.5 and 5.0. This also depends on the standards of the laboratory you are going for.
If there is a huge spike in potassium concentration in your body, you may experience palpitations, breathlessness, chest discomfort, nausea, or vomiting.
In conditions like these, it is best to visit the nearest emergency center immediately
Ailaaj - Bringing The Best Healthcare Solutions To You
We understand how difficult it is to visit a pharmacy to buy medicines when you are unwell. This is why we have come up with a solution that fulfills all your healthcare needs.
Whether you are looking for prescription medicines, over-the-counter, or wellness products, we have got you covered.
All you have to do is upload your prescription and get access to the best discounts and high-quality pharmaceutical products.
Even if you want to consult an expert healthcare professional for advice before starting a medication, you can now do that with Ailaaj.
With Ailaaj, all your healthcare needs are now just a click away.
So what are you waiting for? Visit our website today and find whatever products you are looking for at the best prices.