Above-average potassium levels in the body is a condition called hyperkalemia. When the kidneys fail to regulate the potassium supply due to diseases, the levels of potassium in the blood can rise significantly, leading to a more fatal condition, such as a heart attack. Learning how to treat high potassium levels must be taken seriously. Incorporate the following guidelines in your lifestyle if you have this problem – and you’ll be glad you did:

1. When you feel that you are becoming weaker each day, submit yourself to a physical examination. Blood tests can determine your potassium level. If you are found to have a high level of it, do not delay medications. Your doctor may take some more tests to determine the causes.

2. When the doctor prescribes diuretics for the elimination of extra potassium in the body, let him know if you are taking any other drugs or supplements. The doctor can make a review on your other medications and ensure that they have no potassium contents in them. Diuretics are common prescriptions for people with lingering kidney problems.

3. Do not think twice when the doctor orders you to be confined for severe hyperkalemia. Immediate hospital arrangement is needed for intravenous treatments. Dosages of insulin, loads of glucose and some calcium need to be administered intravenously to eliminate potassium from the intestines. In some cases, potassium must also be pushed back to the cells with the use of albuterol or epinephrine.

4. Dialysis might be necessary for the straining of potassium from the blood when the kidneys seem unaffected by medications. This would ensure that the levels of potassium will not exceed or reach the critical level. Your doctor will be able to plan your dialysis schedule as appropriately as possible.

5. Continue your regular check-ups for heart monitoring when you are suffering from hyperkalemia. The condition can trigger fatal heart dysfunctions, such a cardiac arrest, when the level has gone out of control.

6. Do not expose yourself to the natural sources of potassium when you already have a high level of it. Seafood like salmon, clams, shrimps and scallops are irresistible for many, but they can make your potassium level even higher. You must also find an alternative for tomato sauce and salt in your cooking so as not to add more potassium to your system.

7. Learn to make general substitutions for high-potassium foods with their low-potassium counterparts. You can learn to add cucumber, onions and green peas in your recipes and make it a habit to nibble on grape fruits, apples and raspberries — or any other berries for that matter.

8. Leach vegetables with high potassium content by thoroughly rinsing them after slicing. Boil for few minutes and drain excess water before finally cooking again. It’s only necessary to do this if you want to satisfy cravings for these types of foods.

The key on how to treat high potassium levels is in the kidneys. When kidney filtering is enhanced, proper digestion, continued metabolism and smooth regulation of blood flow will take place. Therefore, it makes sense to treat underlying problems in the kidneys before doing something major for hyperkalemia. Nevertheless, lifestyle changes must be incorporated as quickly as possible to help minimize the troubles of high potassium levels.