Potassium Levels In Our Blood
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Potassium is a vital mineral which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.
📊 Potassium Levels in Our Blood
Reference Ranges
| Normal potassium level in the blood: | 3.5-5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) |
| Mild hyperkalemia: | between 5.1 mEq/L to 6.0 mEq/L |
| Moderate hyperkalemia: | Potassium levels of 6.1 mEq/L to 7.0 mEq/L |
| Severe hyperkalemia: | Above 7 mEq/L |
📉 Low Potassium Levels
Low potassium levels in our blood can be rebalanced with the help of high-potassium snacks or supplements:
🥑 Potassium-Rich Foods
These foods help your body maintain a normal balance between sodium and potassium, which in turn helps regulate blood pressure:
Fruits
- • Bananas
- • Figs
- • Papaya
- • Cantaloupe
Vegetables
- • Avocados
- • Kale
- • Swiss chard
- • Radicchio
- • Arugula
- • Butternut squash
- • Mushrooms
- • Carrots
Legumes & Nuts
- • Beans
- • Lentils
- • Split peas
- • Pistachio nuts
⚠️ High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)
Critical Information
Hyperkalemia is a common condition; it is diagnosed in up to 8% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. Fortunately, most patients have mild hyperkalemia. It is important to treat the condition causing hyperkalemia to prevent it from progressing into more severe hyperkalemia. True hyperkalemia is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder.
🚨 Symptoms
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle fatigue / general weakness / paralysis
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Cardiac arrest and death
⚠️ Severe hyperkalemia results in a mortality rate of about 67%.
🔍 Causes of High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)
Kidney Function
Impaired kidney function, such as due to acute or chronic kidney failure
Medications
Such as ACE inhibitors
Substance Use
Alcoholism or heavy drug use that causes breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in potassium release into bloodstream
Hormone Deficiencies
Various hormonal imbalances
Physical Trauma
Destruction of red blood cells due to severe injury
Supplement Overuse
Excessive use of potassium supplements