Ways to control Potassium in Kidney Patients

In this video, Dr. Pragti Gupta will discuss ways to control potassium levels in kidney failure patients. Potassium is one of the important basic mineral that controls several functions in our body.
1). What is Hyperkalemia & Hypokalemia? Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the level of potassium in the blood is abnormally high. The patient will suffer from numbness, tingling, weakness, etc. Moreover, if the patient has a potassium value lower than the normal range, then the condition is recognized as Hypokalemia. And, the patient will suffer from vomiting, muscle cramps or weakness, etc. Both of these conditions are harmful to our body.
2). Importance of Potassium Potassium is a nutrient that can be found in a variety of foods—this vitamin aids in the proper functioning of neurons & muscles. However, excess amount of potassium in the blood can damage the heart & lead to heart attack or chronic kidney failure. The most prevalent cause of high potassium levels is kidney failure. Kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the body when they fail or malfunction. And it can lead to the accumulation of potassium.
3). What are the Normal Values of Potassium? Potassium balances fluids, control nerve signals, & causes muscle contraction. That's why it's important to keep an eye on your potassium levels. It also aids in lowering blood pressure and preventing stroke. Normal Values of Potassium can be divided into three parts – 1). Normal Range – Potassium level between 3.5mEq/L to 5.0mEq/L 2). Caution Zone – When potassium level is on the borderline, i.e., 5.10mEq/L to 6.0mEq/L. 3). Danger Zone – When potassium level is above 6.0mEq/L. This is very critical condition as it causes several complications in a patient’s body. Potassium levels higher than 5.0mEq/L causes fatigue & injure the heart, leading to a heart attack. A person's potassium level should be between 3.5mEq/L & 5.0mEq/L. Dialysis is required when potassium levels exceed 6.5mEq/L or 7mEq/L. Moreover, due to high potassium levels in the body, the heartbeat becomes irregular. Higher potassium levels are more harmful than urea or creatinine levels.
4). How to Manage Potassium Levels Naturally? Potassium is accumulated in our body through external sources, i.e., our foodstuff. Vegetables with low potassium content help prevent heart disease. Leached vegetables are rich in potassium. Essential minerals and vitamins, as well as potassium, are lost during the leaching process. Consequently, it is recommended and can be done when potassium levels are higher than normal. It is best to avoid brown rooty vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, arbi, beetroot, etc. These brown rooty vegetables are rich sources of potassium. But, there are three exceptions like onions, radish, and carrots that you can consume. Green vegetables such as spinach, bathua, fenugreek, and mustard should also be avoided by a kidney failure patient. However, it is believed that kidney patients should avoid eating jaggery as it has high potassium levels. Low potassium salt increases potassium levels, which is harmful to patients with kidney disease. Patients with kidney disease should take sendha namak or rock salt depending on their blood pressure level but should not take more than a pinch of salt in each meal.


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