What happens when there is an excess of potassium
When there is too much potassium in the blood, a symptom that is defined by the medical term hyperkalemia or hyperkalemia, serious disorders can occur. The potassium values ​​are visible by undergoing simple blood tests, which can be further investigated, if necessary, by an electrocardiogram. The first symptoms that define an excess of potassium they are the same as a lack of it: weakness, fatigue, manifestation of muscle cramps.
The one who pays the most this time is the heart, which is subjected to frequent and high current discharges given by the excess of potassium. You can therefore have heart rhythm disturbances, such as extrasystoles or slowdowns, even cardiac arrest.
What helps prevent excess potassium build-up?
Unless the triggering cause is not a genetic dysfunction, the excess potassium can be balanced thanks to daily precautions. Let's see the main ones:
- Nutrition against excess potassium
An excess of potassium is balanced by a diet that controls the consumption of fruit, vegetables and foods that contain high doses of the mineral in question, therefore avoid eating: cocoa, cocoa-based sweets, dried fruit such as almonds , raisins, pine nuts, prunes, peanuts. Avoid olives. Also to be limited are the doses of alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer and the consumption of coffee. No yet a bananas, potatoes, spinach, artichokes, beets, leeks.
- Sweating causes you to lose excess potassium
Normally, when you go to hot countries or engage in strenuous sports, sweating is accelerated considerably, and consequently there is a loss of mineral and salt resources, especially potassium, in the blood. Conversely, therefore, if it is necessary to lower the levels of excess potassium, just practice a bit of aerobic physical activity and sweat: long walks, jogging, swimming, cycling, are all aerobic sports that can only benefit your health.
- Cooking decreases the potassium in food
To help disperse the potassium present in the food to be cooked in the water and make fruits and vegetables lighter in this sense, it is necessary to cook them in abundant water. Absolutely do not drink the juice that remains, rather pour them well. Therefore, steam, microwave or pressure cooker cooking is not recommended, as they retain liquids, and with them minerals and all nutrients.
| Claudiacastro
