Potassium levels

[Joyia]

My recent blood test showed a potassium level of 5.5 high. Dr said he was not concerned but would be if it was 6. I looked on the internet for guidance and it said over 6 was a serious concern due to kidney failure risks. I have been eating bananas and will cut them out but is there anything else I need to be aware of?

[Crusee]

Hi Joyia

I had a similar problem last year my potassoum level was raised. I also have chronic kidney disease which is why it was of great concern to my GP.

I was given bicarbonate of soda tablets which brought it back into acceptable levels,failry quickly and has been ok since.

The list of high potassium foods is quite surprising.Foods which I always thought of as healthy are on the list of high potassium foods.

You can download a comprehensive list from the internet but amongst those on there--

Nuts,

Oranges,apples,pears,grapes.bananas.

Potato snacks eg crisps

Potatoes- especially jacket potatoes do not eat the skins.

These are only a few examples,but I was really surprised as to what was included on that list.

Good luck with getting your level back to an acceptable level.5.5 is not overly high ,mine was 6.6 when alarm bells started ringing but it was corrected within approx 2 weeks.

Take care.

Crusee

XX

[Ramjets]

Tomatoes, baked sweet potato, sprouts and mushrooms are also high in potassium x

[bluebell99]

Hi, will you be having a repeat test soon? Sometimes we get these "blips" for no reason, I wouldn't worry if your doctor is not worried.

X

[babsolon in reply to bluebell99]

Yes, I was a bit concerned about the raise potassium in my blood test. I require another blood sample soon. My GP said that the medications I am currently taking should not be cause of the raise potassium level. Should I be worried

[Joyia]

Thank you everybody for your helpful responses. I was not asked to have another test as my Doctor wasn't unduly concerned but I would like to help myself where I can.

When I was a small child I had an aversion to oranges as they brought me out in a rash, over the next 70 years (can you believe) I have not eaten oranges except for the odd occasional juice. About four months ago I discovered easy peel organic oranges and have been eating them since, it is interesting to note they are on the list of no nos, to be sure I will leave them out as this may have had a detrimental effect on my levels.

This is such a helpful site, thank you all again.

[TheAuthor]

Hi Joyia

I am so genuinely sorry to read this my friend, and I can see that you have been given some wonderful replies and advice on what food stuffs to cut down on or to omit. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Joyia in reply to TheAuthor]

Thanks Ken x

[TheAuthor in reply to Joyia]

x

[Silmarillion]

3.5 to 5.0 is normal. 5.0 is the higher end of normal

[Joyia]

Thanks Silmarillion for your response, I am working on reducing my levels by cutting out certain foods now.