How to Reduce Potassium Levels Naturally

Potassium is a mineral that is responsible for proper nerve and muscle function in the body. The kidneys control the potassium levels in the body and remove excess amounts of this mineral. If you have kidney disease, it is difficult for the kidneys to monitor potassium levels and sometimes these levels become too high or too low. The normal potassium range is between 3.5 and 5.5mEq/L (milli equivalents per liter), which is a measure used to evaluate levels in the blood. If your potassium is too high, you can try eating a diet low in potassium to help you maintain normal levels before you try medication.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat a diet low in potassium and limit or avoid high potassium foods.

• 2

  Limit fruits that are high in potassium such as apricots, bananas, coconuts, water melons, kiwi, oranges, prunes, dates and yams. Eat fruits low in potassium such as apples, grapes, plums, peaches, pineapple and watermelon.

• 3

  Eat vegetables low in potassium such as lettuce, fresh mushrooms or fresh green peas (canned mushrooms and dried peas are high in potassium), onions and bell peppers. Eat small portions of high potassium vegetables such as artichokes, dried beans, pumpkin, spinach and potatoes.

• 4

  Cook vegetables high in potassium with a process called leaching. Cut vegetables in thin strips and soak in room temperature water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Use 5 parts water to 1 part vegetables. Rinse off vegetables before eating. The water will pull some of the potassium out, although there will be high amounts left. Limit portion size to 1/2 cup.

• 5

  Swap milk for un-enriched rice milk or non-dairy creamer. Limit eating yogurt and eat sherbet instead of ice cream. Milk, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products are high in potassium and should be limited. Avoid chocolate.

• 6

  Consult with a dietitian to help you determine the quantities of food that you can eat to maintain your potassium levels.