How to Lower Potassium Level in Kidneys

Hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels in the blood, is a medical condition which can result in serious illness or even death if left untreated. Potassium along with other electrolytes, regulate the body's fluid balance and muscle activity. It is because of this that potassium must be regulated within strict limits in the blood and cells.

Normal serum potassium level ranges are between 3.5 and 5 M/L Eq in healthy adults. However, when levels are out of this range muscle weakness, heart palpitations, malaise or even death can occur from heart failure. Therefore, it is important to discuss any of these symptoms with your doctor.

Primary Causes of High Potassium and Treatment Options

Renal Insufficiency:

One of the major contributors to high potassium levels is renal insufficiency or the impairment of the kidneys to function normally. This can be caused by injury or disease to the kidneys. Individuals that suffer from renal insufficiency must carefully monitor their kidney function and watch their dietary intake of potassium. They must limit foods which are high in potassium such as oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, bananas melons or avocados.


Medicines:

Another culprit of high potassium could be in your medicine cabinet. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme or ACE inhibitors or Aldosterone Receptor Blockers are blood pressure medications that can cause high potassium levels in patients with decreased renal function. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can also cause problems, said Hashmi. These medications must be closely monitored by your doctor and blood tests should be performed regularly to determine potassium levels. If levels become problematic medicines must be limited or eliminated.

Generic Causes:

Diet and medicine aren't the only pieces of the puzzle which must be addressed when maintaining low potassium in the kidneys. General overall health should be maintained, but stressful exercise, which could result in any types of injuries should be limited because additional potassium is released from the cells with strenuous exercise or injuries.

People with renal problems should also be cautioned to remember that anything that affects your kidney function such as a severe infection in the body can also raise your potassium. Although high potassium is dangerous, low potassium is equally as dangerous to your overall health.