#potassium, #hypercalemia, #dialisys, #potassiumandkidneys
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Potassium is a mineral. So it is a micronutrient like vitamins.
Potassium plays an important role in the function of our nerves and our muscles. The heart is a muscle and for it to work properly, the amount of this mineral in our body must be in balance, that is, neither too high nor too low. Deficiency or excess of potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness or paralysis and cramps.
It is naturally found in fruits and vegetables. But the potassium content in these foods varies. They have high content: banana, orange, dried fruit, papaya, avocado, pumpkin, tomato, beans, among others. They have low content: apple, grape, strawberry, pineapple, carrot, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, etc. The fact that they have low content does not mean that you can have a lot, okay? Eat in moderation.
While our mouth controls the inflow of potassium, the kidneys control the outflow of the mineral. Therefore, healthy kidneys keep potassium at balanced levels in our body for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. When the kidneys are sick, the potassium outflow from the body is impaired causing the accumulation of the mineral and the negative repercussions of the excess.
There is no need to restrict potassium if your kidneys are functioning more than 30%. Is high potassium in the blood always because of the kidneys? Most of the time, yes! But it is worth remembering that they also increase blood potassium: some medicines (such as some pressure medicines, anti-inflammatories and supplements), alternative salts to common salt (the common salt is sodium chloride whereas the alternative salts are usually potassium chloride ), intense exercise and uncontrolled diabetes. The latter divert potassium from the inside of cells into the bloodstream and consequently increase.
Don't be radical! It is harmful to cut out fruits and vegetables from your daily life. Remember that we need a minimum amount for the functioning of nerves and muscles. In addition, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, fiber and other minerals. Did you know that people with kidney disease have difficulty controlling blood acidity? Fruits and vegetables are alkalizing and will help you control such acidity. Give preference to the low-content group.
Assess with your doctor whether any of the medications you use may be contributing to high potassium and whether adjustments can be made. Don't self-medicate! Avoid intense exercise. And if you are diabetic, try to keep your glucose below 180.
I love potatoes .. what now?
Although they are high in potassium, did you know that there is a way to get some of the potassium out of fruits and vegetables? Peel the food, slice it and soak it in warm water. After 2h, just discard the water and cook them in new water. Foods cooked instead of raw have less potassium content. If palatability falls, use aromatic herbs.
Although there are no randomized studies that prove the influence of food potassium on blood potassium level and clinical outcomes, it is reasonable to control the daily amount of servings of fruits and vegetables until new scientific evidence comes up.
Some experts claim that the effects of food's potassium are not consistently reflected in the blood's potassium levels, as compensatory mechanisms are triggered in our body to maintain dynamic balance. One of these mechanisms, for example, is the elimination of excess potassium from the body in faeces instead of urine.
Consult a nutritionist who is a positive and understanding influencer to help you make the best choices and achieve food balance!
10 июл 2024
