How to Treat Low Potassium Blood Levels

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:TreatLowPotassiumBloodLevels
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How to Treat Low Potassium Blood Levels

Introduction

Blood potassium levels must be maintained between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/liter for the body to function properly. Keep your potassium where it should be to optimize your physical and mental health.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Eat foods high in potassium, such as avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, raisins, salmon, tuna, milk, oranges and baked potatoes.
2

Step Two

Avoid overboiling foods because this causes potassium to diffuse out of the food and into the water.
3

Step Three

Consider that canned fruit is lower in usable potassium than fresh fruit.
4

Step Four

Understand that the potassium in grains is found in the germ and the bran. Thus, the more processed the food, the less potassium it contains.
5

Step Five

Switch your diuretics, which is a medicine that causes you to urinate more frequently. Your doctor may change your potassium-depleting diuretic to a different type of diuretic.
6

Step Six

Drink plenty of water. Kidneys regulate the volume and makeup of the extracellular fluids in our bodies, so giving them adequate amounts of fluid helps to keep potassium and other electrolytes in balance.
7

Step Seven

Take potassium supplements. Usually 20 to 80 mEq/day is needed to raise the blood potassium level of those who are potassium-deficient.
8

Step Eight

Discuss any vitamin supplementation with your physician. Even "natural" products can cause great disruption to your electrolyte balance.

Tips & Warnings

  • Substituting four slices of whole wheat bread for four slices of white bread, gives you an additonal 290 mg of potassium.
  • Substituting one boiled potato, in its skin, for 1/2 c. white rice or pasta, increases your potassium intake by 500 mg.
  • Adding one sliced tomato to your otherwise tomato-less salad gives you an additional 300 mg of potassium.
  • If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Potassium Supplement
  • Water
  • Potassium-rich Foods
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