What should your potassium be

A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms, which may be mild, and may include:. A large drop in potassium level may lead to abnormal heart rhythms , especially in people with heart disease. This can cause you to feel lightheaded or faint.

A very low potassium level can even cause your heart to stop. Your health care provider will order a blood test to check your potassium level. Normal range is 3. If your condition is mild, your provider will likely prescribe oral potassium pills. If your condition is severe, you may need to get potassium through a vein IV.

Eating foods rich in potassium can help treat and prevent low level of potassium. These foods include:. Taking potassium supplements can usually correct the problem. You can also ask them for a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist.

Read more: High- and low-potassium foods ». Some salt substitutes are also high in potassium. When you buy a salt substitute, make sure to avoid any that list potassium chloride as an ingredient. Foods that are high in additives, such as commercial baked goods and sports drinks, are also usually high in potassium. If you take herbs for any reason, be aware that there are a few herbs you should not take if you have high potassium levels. Alfalfa, nettle, and dandelion can increase your potassium levels, so be sure to avoid them.

If your levels are dangerously high, your doctor may prescribe hospitalization or dialysis. Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte, which conducts electrical impulses throughout the body. Electrolytes assist in essential body functions…. Multiple tests can analyze metabolism.

Most need blood drawn, but some can be ordered online and done at home. Here are 2. This simple, at-home test can introduce you to your metabolic hormones. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. High Potassium. The following table lists foods that are high in potassium. Please be sure to check portion sizes.

While all the foods on this list are high in potassium, some are higher than others. The following table list foods which are low in potassium. Eating more than 1 portion can make a lower potassium food into a higher potassium food. The process of leaching will help pull potassium out of some high-potassium vegetables. It is important to remember that leaching will not pull all of the potassium out of the vegetable.

You must still limit the amount of leached high-potassium vegetables you eat. Ask your dietitian about the amount of leached vegetables that you can safely have in your diet. Skip to main content. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

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This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Symptoms Low potassium hypokalemia. Definition Causes When to see a doctor.