Your body uses potassium to do everything from maintaining fluid balances to keeping your brain and heart functioning.Many people don't get as much of their recommended daily intake of potassium because of the wide availability of high-potassium foods.If you understand the symptoms of a deficiency and know the safest ways to increase your intake, you can easily treat it.
Step 1: There are symptoms of low potassium levels.
It is possible to have too much or too little potassium in your blood.Hypokalemia is when you have a low level of potassium in your blood.Weak muscles, an abnormal heart rhythm, and a slight rise in blood pressure are some of the effects of hypokalemia.Constipation fatigue, muscle spasms, or numbness can be additional symptoms.
Step 2: There are a number of causes of low potassium levels.
There are a number of health-related occurrences that can contribute to low potassium levels.You have suffered a drop in your potassium levels because of: taking antibiotics, vomiting, sweating, and having low levels of magnesium.
Step 3: Look for signs of hyperkalemia.
Too much potassium can be found in your blood.The condition has few symptoms, but you may experience nausea, a weak or irregular pulse, or a slow heartbeat to the point of collapse.You should see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms associated with an increased-potassium diet.Excess potassium can be expelled through your urine.It makes hyperkalemia more common in people with certain conditions, as well as those taking blood pressure drugs, those with hemolytic anemia, and people who have tumors.
Step 4: You should see your doctor.
If you suspect that you have low levels of potassium, you should see your doctor before resorting to supplements or other methods of increasing your intake.If you stray from a standard diet, you can end up with too much potassium in your diet.According to experts, a balanced diet should include 4,700mg of potassium a day.Your doctor will prescribe the correct course of action based on the results of your blood tests to determine your actual potassium levels.Most of the time, your treatment will involve more potassium-rich foods in your diet.Don't introduce too much potassium into your diet.
Step 5: Allow your levels to recover naturally.
If you have recently suffered from the common causes of low potassium, such as vomiting, or sweating, your levels will usually return to normal as soon as you are well again.If you're not well, your doctor may suggest adding some potassium-rich foods to your diet.
Step 6: You should add more dairy products to your diet.
You can find some of the highest sources of potassium in a single serving of dairy products.One cup of yogurt contains a lot of potassium.A single cup of nonfat milk can hold as much as Exploited.Too much full-fat dairy dramatically increases your daily calories intake, so opt for nonfat options whenever possible.Do not eat dairy products if you are sensitive to Lactose.You can still find a lot of it from other sources.
Step 7: Take more high-potassium fruits.
Some fruits are good sources of potassium.Not all fruits have the same amount of potassium in them.In a medium-size banana, you'll find 422mg in half of a papaya, 372 in three average apricots, and 355 in a cup of cantaloupe.
Step 8: Vegetables with high levels of potassium are added.
Fruits aren't the only high-potassium options.You can get a lot of potassium in vegetables.In a medium-size baked potato with the skin, you'll get 912 calories, 694 calories without skin and 517 calories with carrot juice and 1/2 cup of winter squash.
Step 9: There is more meat that is rich in potassium.
Though not as much as some other options, you can still find a decent amount of potassium in several meat sources.In a three-ounce serving of chicken, beef, and lamb, there is an amount of potassium that is equal to the amount in a dark meat turkey.
Step 10: You can eat seafood that is a good source.
Fish is a good source of vitamins.For a three-ounce serving of fish, you can find 484 calories in canned salmon or tuna.
Step 11: Add high-potassium nuts to your diet.
Almonds, cashews, and other nuts are good sources of potassium.They're great sources of fiber and minerals.There are high-potassium options that include: 400 in 1/2 cup of cooked pinto beans,365 in half of a cooked lentil, and340 in a half-cup of unsold nuts.There is peanut butter.
Step 12: You can use molasses in recipes.
Though not an ingredient people often use, molasses is an unexpected source of vitamins and minerals.Adding oatmeal to a smoothie is a great way to add the benefits of molasses to your food.
Step 13: You can learn which foods are low in potassium.
In addition to focusing on high-potassium foods, you should also know the common foods that are low in potassium.Some of the options are still very healthy, but they do not make good choices if you focus on potassium.Black olives are a very high source of sodium and can be found in low-potassium foods.A very high source of sodium is the amount of butter, cheese, bacon, and egg in one ounce of cheese.
Step 14: Talk to your doctor about the therapy.
Arrhythmia, or irregular heart beat, is one of the biggest risks associated with low potassium.Older adults are more likely to have arrhythmia.If your doctor suspects you have severe low potassium, he may run tests to rule out other conditions, such as Cushing syndrome, and confirm your diagnosis.Your doctor can run blood tests to check your levels.If you are taking a digitalis meant to strengthen your heart, your doctor will want to check your digoxin levels.Your doctor can order an EKG to check your heartbeat.
Step 15: Get IV therapy.
If your doctor confirms that you have arrhythmia, you will most likely be given a drug to counteract it.Under the supervision of a doctor, the potassium will be administered slowly to make sure it doesn't affect your heart.IV therapy may cause irritation at the injection site.
Step 16: Take it in pill or liquid form.
You can take most of the supplements in the form of pills, liquids, or powders.There are many vitamins that contain potassium.Don't go over or under the prescribed dosage if you follow it.This will ensure healthy blood levels.If you want to add supplements to your daily regimen, you should consult with your doctor.Some blood tests will be needed to figure out how much additional potassium you need in your diet.It is common for doctors to prescribe potassium supplements at the same time as another medication.Even if your current levels are within range, your doctor may suggest a supplement for you if you are on one of these medications.
Step 17: Follow up with your doctor.
Your doctor will want to conduct follow-up tests to make sure your treatment is working.The follow up is likely to take two to three days.