Why potassium

Sources of potassium in the diet include Leafy greens, such as spinach and collards Fruit from vines, such as grapes and blackberries Root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit Your kidneys help to keep the right amount of potassium in your body.

Start Here. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diagnosis and Tests. Related Issues. Clinical Trials. Article: Emerging Roles of Astrocyte Kir4. The most severe response to low potassium can lead to arrhythmia or other heart problems.

Less severe effects of low potassium can include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps or twitching or constipation. Medication side effects are a key factor — beyond diet — that might lead to dangerously low levels of potassium. Work with your provider and care team to ensure your diet and meds are working well together.

Genetics — family history — can contribute to potassium level problems as well. But overall, diet problems account for a majority of issues that rise from not getting enough of this essential nutrient. Natural food sources of potassium are best to increase your potassium level.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Potassium and sodium are electrolytes that help your body maintain fluid and blood volume so it can function normally.

However, consuming too little potassium and too much sodium can raise your blood pressure. Salt also known but its chemical name, sodium chloride is a crystal-like compound that is common in nature. Sodium is a mineral, and one of the chemical elements found in salt. Most of the sodium Americans eat comes from packaged, processed, store-bought, and restaurant foods.

Potassium, Sodium, and High Blood Pressure Increasing your potassium intake can decrease your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure.

Consuming too little potassium in your diet and too much sodium can raise your blood pressure. Educational content made possible by Vifor Pharma and AstraZeneca. Donate Now. Give Monthly Give In Honor. High potassium hyperkalemia. What do you know about high potassium and kidney disease? Take a quick quiz to find out! Take the quiz. Manage your potassium levels with diet and treatment. Explore Kidney Kitchen. Frequently asked questions about hyperkalemia What causes high potassium?

The most common cause of high potassium is kidney disease. Other causes of high potassium include: Dehydration Some medicines Uncontrolled diabetes Injuries that cause severe bleeding Some rare diseases If you have kidney disease, you are at risk for high potassium because your kidneys cannot remove the extra potassium in your blood.

What are the symptoms of high potassium? If you do feel symptoms, some of the most common are: Feeling tired or weak Feeling sick to the stomach nausea Muscle pains or cramps Trouble breathing, unusual heartbeat, chest pains If you have trouble breathing or think there could be a problem with your heart, call for emergency help.

What are the complications of high potassium? If you think you are having a heart attack, call for emergency help. Some of the most common signs of heart attack are: Feelings of pressure, pain, or squeezing in your chest or arms Stomach pain or nausea Shortness of breath Breaking into a cold sweat Sudden feelings of dizziness.

What are the tests for high potassium? What are the treatments for high potassium? Potassium binders Medicines for high potassium are called potassium binders.

Follow these tips to keep your potassium at the right level: Avoid salt substitutes because they are usually high in potassium. Do not forget about drinks. Many fruit juices, like orange and tomato, have high potassium.

Potassium can also be found in other drinks including coconut water. Pay attention to serving sizes.