Hyperkalemia is when the body has high potassium levels. There are many ways to manage the condition, but the easiest method is to limit potassium intake. This means patients must follow a strict meal plan and choose foods wisely. Below, we have listed a few high-potassium foods to be avoided to manage the symptoms better. However, it is advisable to always check with a nutritionist or healthcare professional before making these meal changes.
Bananas
Fruits like bananas are high in many essential nutrients. They are chock full of fiber and also contain loads of vitamins. However, bananas are extremely high in potassium, so those with hyperkalemia should keep them out of their menu. The fruit can suddenly increase potassium levels in the body, aggravating the symptoms. Other fruits like melons, oranges, nectarines, mangoes, papayas, dried figs, and prunes can have similar effects. Instead, one can consider apples, blueberries, pears, grapefruits, and strawberries, as these have low levels of potassium. Still, it is essential to limit their intake.
Spinach
Spinach is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A healthy meal would typically include tons of veggies, even spinach. But for those with hyperkalemia, it is best avoided. This vegetable can lead to high potassium levels in the body, triggering symptoms like muscle cramping and irregular cardiac activity. The other veggies that can be equally harmful include Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, pumpkin, potatoes, winter squash, and even broccoli. Alternatively, doctors or nutritionists may ask patients to consider asparagus, cabbage, carrots, wax beans, green peas, water chestnuts, and eggplants when dealing with hyperkalemia.
Specific dried beans
Besides particular fruits and vegetables, dried beans like black beans or peas can have high levels of potassium which can affect the individual negatively. So, patients must avoid them or limit their quantity as far as possible.
While too much potassium can be harmful, too little can also be troublesome. It can cause the muscles to become weak and deteriorate. So, one may consider particular high-protein foods with limited amounts of this mineral. These include meat, fish, and even chicken and beef. However, exercising portion control and using the correct preparation methods is necessary.
Treating hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia can be diagnosed suddenly and even lead to life-threatening complications, such as changes in heart rhythm that could lead to a heart attack. Even mild cases can damage the cardiac system over time and cause fatalities. Besides a disciplined nutrition plan, there are a few other ways to treat this condition, such as:
Oral treatments
Specific oral treatments help the body remove excess potassium. They work by causing the kidneys to create more urine, which, in turn, collects extra potassium and removes it from the body. Doctors may also recommend another type of daily oral treatment that binds excess potassium in the body to the intestines. This causes the potassium to attach to stools and leave the body during excretion.
Intravenous therapy
If there is a severe increase in potassium levels, one may need immediate help. In such cases, patients receive an IV infusion of calcium, which can help protect the heart. Some are also administered insulin to help move the potassium into the blood cells.
Dialysis
Another way to get rid of excess potassium is dialysis. It is only used in extreme cases where the levels continue to remain elevated or the kidneys start giving up. Dialysis helps the body filter out the potassium directly from the bloodstream.
Doctors may suggest one or a combination of the above hyperkalemia treatments depending on the amount of potassium in the body. The condition can be dangerous, so individuals must visit a health professional immediately after experiencing the symptoms.