Potassium is a mineral that performs a number of important functions in the body. It is essential for the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves. It also helps to regulate the fluid balance in the body and maintains your heartbeat.
Potassium levels in the body are regulated by the kidneys. If your kidney is not functioning properly, the potassium levels in the body may rise. In such cases, certain dietary modifications are essential to regulate the potassium levels. Certain medicines may also cause potassium levels in the body to rise.
Normal potassium levels in the body are between 3.5-5 meq/L. Potassium levels lower or higher than this can be dangerous. When potassium levels in the body are elevated above the normal, it leads to a condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is characterized by a number of symptoms, the most common ones being:
Under normal circumstances, the recommended daily allowance of potassium in your diet is 4,700 mg. However, if you suffer from hyperkalemia you should restrict your daily potassium intake to less than 2,700 mg.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from excessive levels of potassium in your body, do consult your doctor. High levels of potassium can easily be detected by performing a blood test. Your doctor will also be able to recommend the ideal diet plan to follow to keep potassium levels in check.
Trying to devise a low-potassium diet on your own is a bit tricky, because almost all kinds of food contain some amount of potassium. Some guidelines that should be kept in mind when devising a low potassium diet include:
High potassium foods: Foods that contain high levels of potassium include whole grain cereals and breads, soy milk, sports drinks, nuts, seeds, chocolate, peanut butter, fig cookies, and molasses. Fruits that have high potassium levels include dried fruit, bananas, coconut, avocado, apricots, melons, oranges, papayas, mangoes, kiwi fruit, and yams.
Vegetables such as beans, broccoli, bamboo shoots, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, squash, chard, parsnips, and potatoes are also high in potassium levels. Milk, dairy products, fish, and beef are also high in potassium. The intake of these high potassium foods should be restricted.
Low Potassium Foods: Foods with low levels of potassium include refined grains, coffee, apples, berries, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears, pineapples, strawberries, and tangerine. Vegetables such as asparagus, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, eggplant, onions, green peppers, watercress, zucchini, and spinach are also low in potassium. Eggs, chicken, and turkey are some of the meat products that are low in potassium.