How to Reduce High Potassium Levels

Potassium is an essential mineral is found in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and salmon. Inadequate potassium may result in an assortment of health conditions -- tiredness, muscle pain, irregular heartbeat and possibly death. On the other hand, too much potassium (5.6 mEq/L or higher) can also lead to heart problems, and if left untreated, death. But fortunately, there are ways to reduce high potassium levels.

Things You'll Need

• Low potassium foods (apples, watermelon, green beans and bell peppers) Non-dairy substitutes Diuretic (water pills)

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose low potassium fruits and vegetables. High potassium foods can increase your potassium level. Low potassium foods include apples, grapes, watermelon, green beans, summer squashes, mushrooms and bell peppers.

• 2

  Boil vegetables and fruits to lower the potassium content. You can also soak these foods in water before eating.

• 3

  Pay attention to food labels. Before purchasing packaged, canned or low-salt foods, read the label and look for ingredients such as potassium chloride, KCI or K+. These ingredients can increase your potassium level.

• 4

  Limit intake of milk. Dairy products such as milk and cheese can increase your potassium level. To maintain a healthy level, reduce your intake of dairy products, or choose a non-dairy substitute.

• 5

  Take a diuretic. A diuretic stimulates the kidneys and flushes toxins and excess potassium from the body. Take a water pill prescribed by your doctor or increase your intake of water -- between 8 and 10 glasses a day.