Hyperkalemia is a condition of abnormally high potassium levels in the blood. The concentration of potassium in the body is regulated by kidneys and hormones, and balance is maintained through excretion in urine. Abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood or urine suggest the presence of another underlying medical condition. Because potassium helps to regulate muscle activity, including the activity of heart muscle, hyperkalemia needs to be taken seriously, especially in patients with known hyperkalemia history and kidney diseases.
Potassium ions are stored in various types of foods and are easily soluble in water. Cutting vegetables into small pieces then blanching them in hot water can reduce the intake of potassium as most of the potassium will be left in the cooking water. Don’t drink the cooking water and avoid drinking soup.
Drink less animal based soup (including chicken, beef, fish, pork soup, hot pot soup, and stock). Avoid soaking rice or noodles in vegetable soup or broth.
Tomatoes should not be eaten raw or try eating it after it has been blanched or cooked and had the tomato juice strained.
Starfruit is strongly discouraged as it contains neurotoxins which uremic patients cannot metabolize. Consequences include persistent hiccups or other uncomfortable symptoms to severe convulsions or coma.
Eating fruits is still encouraged for their fiber and prevention of constipation. Eat whole fruits (not just the pulp or juice) up to portions of no more than 2 fist size per day.
Avoid chocolate, kiwi and bananas because they are high in potassium, which may cause the arrhythmia.
Do not use low-sodium soy sauce as they are actually high in potassium from substituting sodium for potassium.