Ways To Lower Potassium Naturally: High Potassium Levels In Blood

Potassium is an important mineral which along with other minerals plays a crucial role in aiding muscular contractions and digestion. . Alteration in the normal levels of potassium can result in several complications. High potassium level  in our body can be associated with detrimental impact on the health of an individual.

In a healthy state, the body keeps an efficient balance of all the required electrolytes, potassium is one of them. But the condition is different when you suffer from certain diseases, especially lower kidney function as in chronic kidney failure.

High Potassium Levels in Blood

Potassium is chiefly excreted from the kidney, but due to low kidney potential, potassium built up increases in the blood which may result in elevated levels of potassium in the blood. .

There are certain  medications that are responsible for high potassium level in blood. Sometime potassium level increases when you over consume potassium supplements. Hormone deficiency as in Addison’s disease can be another cause for high potassium.

High potassium is generally missed, unless it is found in blood analysis or on electrocardiogram. Some of the common symptoms associated with elevated potassium levels include,

• Irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrhythmias
• Fatigue with generalized weakness
• Diarrhea with gastrointestinal cramps
• Fall in the pulse rate
• Restlessness
• Poor reflexes with  slurred speech
• Muscle cramps.

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease are always to be watched for their potassium level.

How to Lower Potassium Naturally?

Elevated potassium levels is a matter of concern and immediate medical attention needs to be sought. ; However there are certain things one can try at home to naturally lower the potassium levels .

•  Increase calcium intake in your diet. Various studies have shown that calcium  interferes with the natural absorption of  potassium . Increase the intake of calcium rich foods like Milk, dairy products, yogurt, and cheese. Include them regularly in your diet can help control the potassium levels in the blood.
• Eat a clove of garlic in the morning and one in the evening, with a glass of milk. It interferes with  potassium absorption and ultimately helps to lower potassium level in blood.
• Drink sufficient water. Water helps in  flushing out excess of potassium. However for individuals suffering from kidney disorders, it is crucial to consult your physician before increasing the uptake of water. Excessive consumption of water in individuals with kidney disorders can result in strain on the kidney which can complicate matters. , .
• Cut the intake of tea and coffee and colas. Stop drinking alcohol. This will benefit to lower potassium in the body.
• Limit foods which are rich source of potassium, they include; bananas, potatoes, peas, Lima, papaya, yams, avocado etc.
• Eat fruits and vegetables having low potassium such as; cucumbers, cauliflower, berries, lettuce, lemon, peaches, canned food, etc. These foods are low in potassium.
• Soy milk and tofu is also helpful, as it is low in potassium.
• Exercise regularly; it helps to lower the potassium level in a natural way. A brisk walk of thirty minutes daily or aerobics and other mild exercises improves overall health and also lowers the raised potassium level.
• Keep a regular follow up with your doctor when you are taking blood pressure medications and diuretics.
• Certain herbs such as dandelion, horsetail, alfalfa has to be avoided, as they are known to prevent lowering of potassium in the body.