Potassium is an important electrolyte for body functions. Helps carry electrical charges throughout the body. When it fails, a condition called hypokalemia sets in and can lead to irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, cramps, aches throughout the body and constipation. If you lack potassium, read on and find out how to raise your levels.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Eat Foods High in Potassium
Most cases of hypokalemia are caused by short-term illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea. Replenishing potassium supplies is the simplest and most effective way to treat the loss.
Step 1. Have fruit
As everyone knows, bananas are very rich in it. Each banana contains 594 mg of potassium. However, there are other fruits that can help you raise the bar. Eg::
Tomatoes (a small tomato can also contain 900 mg of potassium), oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwis and apricots, peaches, plums and dried grapes
Step 2. Eat some potassium-rich vegetables
Fruit is not the only source of potassium. Vegetables can give your potassium levels a nice boost. Those that help you include:
Carrots (one cup of raw carrots -689 mg), potatoes, spinach and other dark leafy vegetables, mushrooms, and swirled squash
Step 3. Proteins
Salmon is one of the richest protein sources of potassium. 100 grams of salmon usually contains 319 mg. Lean beef and white beans are two examples of proteins that are equally high in potassium.
Step 4. Mix some of these ingredients for a high potassium meal
Eating them separately is fine, but mixing them is better. Try composing your meals to make them full of potassium. For example you can try::
- Yogurt (equally rich in potassium) with bananas and raisins.
- Cooked salmon with sauteed mushrooms and spinach salad.
- A snack based on raw apricots and carrots.
Method 2 of 2: Using Supplements
Step 1. Consult your doctor before taking them
If your potassium level is mildly low, eating rich foods should help. Once you have purchased the supplements, take only the prescribed dose - trying to overdo it could lead to diarrhea, stomach irritation and nausea as well as weakness, weak heartbeat and abnormal heart rhythm.
Step 2. Take the supplements in the form of pills
Extended-release tablets are made not to dissolve in the stomach but in the intestine. This release helps to avoid irritation of the gastric mucosa. Potassium tablets should be taken with a glass of water.
Do not reduce them to powder and do not chew them because you would nullify their peculiarities
Step 3. Try potassium in liquid or powder form
You can dissolve it or dilute it in water and drink it. For correct dosage, follow your doctor's instructions. Usually, powdered or liquid potassium is dissolved or diluted in half a glass of water. If you consume too much it will lead to stomach upset.
Step 4. Intravenous potassium
Taking intravenous potassium is a practice reserved only for severe cases and must be done under very strict medical supervision. If you think your levels are at risk, talk to your doctor. Do not try to administer intravenous potassium on your own. A quick infusion could alter the heart rhythm.
Advice
- Potassium supplements are taken after meals. This reduces the likelihood of diarrhea and stomach pain.
- The safest way to fill up on potassium is to consume it through food.
Warnings
- It is vitally important to follow medical prescriptions regarding dosage. Do not exceed the consumption of potassium. In some cases you may find yourself having to take into account some discriminants, especially if you are taking other medicines or have certain diseases.
- If potassium is given intravenously and you feel a burning sensation in your veins, tell your doctor or nurse right away. Be on the lookout for side effects such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, cold, wheezing and drowsiness. The intravenous injection should be administered as a slow drop.
