Hyperkalemia is a silent but life-threatening condition. It commonly occurs with little to no symptoms but could lead to paralysis, heart failure or cardiac arrest when left untreated.
People experience hyperkalemia due to high levels of potassium in the blood. It can be triggered by health conditions, medications, and herbal supplements, according to Dr. Axe.
The significant increase of potassium in the body has been associated with kidney disease, dehydration, trauma, severe injury and the use of potassium supplements.
Luckily, there are drugs already available to prevent the serious effects of the condition. Treatments depend on the levels of potassium in the body. Changes to your diet and lifestyle can also help manage hyperkalemia.
Natural Remedies for Hyperkalemia
1. A Low-Potassium Diet
What is the best way to avoid too much potassium in the body than following a low-potassium diet? Such an approach commonly avoids high intake of bananas, avocados, and spinach.
A low potassium diet also contains less dairy products, potatoes, dried fruit and nuts since these foods are commonly high in potassium.
2. Check Your Herbal Supplements
Before taking herbal supplements always check their ingredients since some products may contain milkweed, alfalfa, dandelion, and Siberian ginseng, which are known to contribute to potassium rise and hyperkalemia development.
3. Salt Substitutes Can Be Bad
Some salt substitutes contain high amounts of potassium. Potassium chloride is the most common ingredient added to such products, including NoSalt, Nu-Salt and Morton Salt Substitute.