Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) is a common condition caused by kidney malfunction, excessive potassium intake, or certain treatments. It’s important to monitor your potassium levels closely and take the necessary steps to prevent hyperkalemia from occurring. Eating the right foods can help manage the condition and reduce symptoms such as muscle cramps and fatigue. This article will explore the best foods for managing hyperkalemia and various aspects of the condition.

What is hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte imbalance health condition where the amount of potassium in the bloodstream is elevated above normal levels. Its symptoms may include weakness, palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.

Depending on the cause and severity of one’s hyperkalemia, it may be treated with food changes and treatments to help regulate the body’s potassium levels. Extreme cases can lead to health complications, including stopped heartbeats, heart attack, or cardiac arrest. Thus, you must talk to your physician if you suffer from the condition.

What are the reasons for hyperkalemia?

Kidney problems
The kidneys play a vital role in regulating the level of potassium in the blood. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may not be able to remove excess potassium, leading to hyperkalemia.

Adrenal gland disorders
The adrenal glands produce the hormone aldosterone that helps regulate potassium levels. Disorders of the adrenal glands, such as Addison’s disease, can result in hyperkalemia.

Excessive potassium intake
Consuming too much potassium through food or supplements can lead to the condition.

Hemolysis
The breakdown of red blood cells, known as hemolysis, can release potassium into the bloodstream and cause hyperkalemia.

Acidosis
Acidosis is when the body’s pH becomes too low. It can cause potassium to shift from cells into the bloodstream, leading to the disorder.

Tissue damage
Injuries or trauma that cause tissue damage can release potassium from cells and into the bloodstream, leading to hyperkalemia.

Foods to manage hyperkalemia

Eggs
Eggs contain compounds called phosphorylcholines that may contribute to eliminating bad cholesterol and reducing inflammation associated with high levels of potassium in the blood. In addition, eggs are rich in amino acids and proteins – two components beneficial for managing hyperkalemia. They help maintain balance in electrolytes and regulate metabolism for normal hormone concentrations.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers can manage hyperkalemia since they are high in water. The natural sugars and organic acids found in cucumbers have been known to help exert a diuretic effect on the body. They help flush out excess water and minerals, such as potassium, while allowing necessary electrolytes to remain absorbed in the body.

Onions
Onions contain sulfur compounds with amino acids, which can reduce potassium levels in the blood. Regularly ingested onion extract or juice can benefit patients with hyperkalemia. Onion extract has been found to reduce plasma potassium levels, help balance electrolytes, and maintain kidney function.

Granola
Many granola brands are fortified with nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients work together to reduce an excess of potassium in your bloodstream. Eating a nutritious snack like granola can also help you meet your daily caloric and nutrient needs. Both of these are necessary for maintaining proper electrolyte balance. In addition, eating a healthy snack like granola can help reduce cravings for processed foods containing preservatives or unhealthy additives.

Legumes
They are low in potassium and easy to digest, so they balance this mineral’s levels effectively. Legumes also regulate the absorption of sodium, curbing any further increase in potassium levels.
Moreover, legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas contain essential fiber that helps facilitate digestion and prevents sudden fluctuations in potassium levels. Eating legumes is also advantageous because of their high-protein content. Proteins help reduce potassium levels as an osmotic diuretic, meaning the body removes excess water and extra potassium.

Grapes
Grapes are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage due to elevated potassium levels. Studies have shown that consuming just one cup of concord grape juice daily for four weeks can lead to normal potassium levels in people with kidney disorders. This is important since kidney diseases are possible reasons for hyperkalemia. The same positive effects can also be seen when consuming fresh or frozen concord grapes instead of juice. Furthermore, these small berries are also low in sodium, making them ideal for individuals who need to monitor their salt intake.

Zucchini
Zucchini is a natural diuretic that helps flush out sodium and potassium from the body, helping reduce overall potassium levels. Additionally, zucchini provides essential antioxidants (such as lutein) crucial for maintaining cellular health, which can help keep potassium levels in balance over time.

Rice milk
Rice milk is an increasingly popular drink used to manage hyperkalemia. Though this type of milk does contain some potassium, it is much lower than regular cow’s milk. In addition to being a more palatable option than other low-potassium dairy products, rice milk has many other benefits. It has low fat and sugar content, is lactose and cholesterol-free, and its nutty flavor can boost the taste profile of smoothies and snacks. Thus, rice milk may be an excellent choice for those looking to make dietary changes to help manage their hyperkalemia.

Beans
Adding beans to the food regime provides an easy way to naturally and safely lower potassium levels. Beans are rich in fiber, which helps control potassium absorption while helping maintain healthy gut bacteria. Furthermore, beans contain various minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that have been shown to help block high potassium levels from entering cells.

Wrapping up
Although the severity of hyperkalemia and its symptoms can vary person-to-person, knowing which foods you can rely on to help manage the condition is an invaluable resource. Protein, certain fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains can all support your body in managing potassium levels. Additionally, for those looking for more natural remedies for hyperkalemia, there are many alternative treatments, such as herbs, vitamin supplements, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications. Talk to your healthcare provider before deciding what’s best for you.