Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in several physiological processes in the human body. Some of the key functions of potassium include:
Regulating fluid balance: Potassium helps to regulate the amount of fluid in and around cells, which is critical for maintaining proper hydration and blood pressure.
Supporting muscle function: Potassium is necessary for proper muscle contraction and relaxation, including the muscles of the heart.
Nerve function: Potassium helps to transmit nerve impulses and plays a role in maintaining proper brain function.
Maintaining heart health: Potassium helps to regulate heart rhythm and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Supporting bone health: Potassium helps to reduce the loss of calcium in urine and may help to improve bone density.
Regulating blood sugar: Potassium may help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
It is important to maintain adequate levels of potassium in the body to support these essential functions. Good dietary sources of potassium include fruits (especially bananas), vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. In some cases, potassium supplements may be recommended to address a deficiency, but it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
What happens when Potassium levels are high in the body?
When potassium levels are high in the body, a condition known as hyperkalemia can occur. Hyperkalemia can be a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment. Some of the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include:
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Abdominal pain
Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or lips
Difficulty breathing
Anxiety or restlessness
Hyperkalemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including kidney disease, certain medications (such as potassium-sparing diuretics), excessive potassium intake (such as through supplements), and certain medical conditions (such as adrenal insufficiency). Treatment for hyperkalemia may include reducing potassium intake, medications to help remove excess potassium from the body, or in severe cases, hospitalization for monitoring and treatment. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of hyperkalemia.
What are natural ways to reduce increased level of potassium in the body?
If you have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood), your healthcare provider may recommend specific treatments depending on the severity of your condition. In addition to medical treatment, there are some natural ways that may help to reduce elevated potassium levels:
Limit potassium intake: Avoid foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach. Read food labels carefully and choose foods that are low in potassium.
Increase water intake: Drinking more water can help to flush excess potassium out of the body through the urine.
Use sodium polystyrene sulfonate: This medication helps to bind excess potassium in the gut, allowing it to be excreted through the stool.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help to improve kidney function and reduce potassium levels in the body.
Try herbal remedies: Certain herbs, such as dandelion root, nettle leaf, and parsley, have natural diuretic properties that may help to reduce potassium levels.
It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before trying any natural remedies or supplements, as they may interact with medications or worsen certain medical conditions. Your healthcare provider can help to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Herbs for reducing high potassium levels
There are a few herbs that have natural diuretic properties that may help to reduce high potassium levels in the body. These include:
Dandelion root: Dandelion root is a natural diuretic that may help to increase urine output and reduce potassium levels. It can be consumed as a tea or in supplement form.
Nettle leaf: Nettle leaf is another natural diuretic that may help to reduce potassium levels by increasing urine output. It can be consumed as a tea or in supplement form.
Parsley: Parsley is a mild diuretic that may help to increase urine output and reduce potassium levels. It can be consumed fresh or dried, or in supplement form.
It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before trying any herbal remedies, especially if you are taking medications or have a medical condition. Herbs can interact with medications and may worsen certain health conditions. Your healthcare provider can help to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Acupuncture points for high level of potassium in the body as per Chinese medicine
In Chinese medicine, high levels of potassium in the body are often related to the condition known as “yang deficiency.” Yang deficiency is a state of imbalance in the body where the yin (cool, moist, passive) energy dominates over the yang (warm, dry, active) energy.
Acupuncture and acupressure can be helpful in rebalancing the yin-yang energies in the body and regulating potassium levels. Here are some acupoints that may be used for high levels of potassium:
Ren 4 (Guan Yuan): This point is located on the lower abdomen, approximately three finger widths below the belly button. It is known as the “Gate of the Original Qi” and is said to regulate the kidney and urinary bladder, which play a vital role in regulating potassium levels.
Kidney 3 (Tai Xi): This point is located on the inner ankle, midway between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. It is known as the “Great Ravine” and is said to tonify the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering excess potassium from the blood.
Stomach 36 (Zu San Li): This point is located on the lower leg, four finger widths below the knee cap and one finger width towards the outer side of the leg. It is known as the “Leg Three Miles” and is said to tonify the spleen and stomach, which are involved in the metabolism of potassium.
Large Intestine 4 (He Gu): This point is located on the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. It is known as the “Joining Valley” and is said to regulate the large intestine, which plays a role in the elimination of excess potassium from the body.
Dr Neeraj Kaushik, Founder Kaushik Acupuncture