Potassium and The Dialysis Patient
Any dialysis patient who has had a brush with high potassium will know only too well how dangerous this can be. We are forever being told to watch our potassium intake, so I thought I would explore the reasons for this, and what practical steps we can take to limit the risks.
For your cells to function properly, it is important that you maintain the right level of potassium, unfortunately, for those of us with kidney disease, there is no way for our bodies to rid themselves of this potassium. As too high a level of potassium can cause muscle weakness, affect the heart rhythm and may even cause death, it is critical that we manage our intake carefully, in consultation with our dietician, clinical nurse, and renal specialist.
Some signs that your potassium may be too high might include, but are not limited to: nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider, or take yourself off to the nearest hospital ? post haste!
So it's all well and good to know that a high potassium level is dangerous, and what the symptoms are and what to do if we experience the symptoms, but what can we do to avoid this danger? Well I'm glad you asked!
Whilst some external factors affect the level of potassium in the blood of a dialysis patient, the one major thing that you can do is to manage your diet. Avoid foods that are high in potassium, and you stay out of the danger zone. It's as simple as that!
"So what are these foods I should be avoiding?" I hear you ask. Whilst this list provides some of the foods that may put you into the danger zone, it is by no means a comprehensive list. It should also be noted here that very few foods should be considered completely "off limits", just because you are on dialysis, doesn't mean that your life must stop and that you shouldn't be able to enjoy some of it's finer offerings.
The list: All meats, poultry and fish,. apricots (fresh more so than canned), avocado, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew, Kiwi Fruit, lima beans, milk, oranges and orange juice, potatoes, prunes, spinach, tomatoes, vegetables and vegetable juice .
Your next question should be: "But that seems like a lot of vegetables, what can I do to lower the potassium level in vegetables?" I'm glad you asked again! To lower the content in vegetables, simply cut the vegetables up into small pieces, and boil them well in a saucepan then drain them thoroughly.
Hopefully this has given you some idea of what symptoms to look out for, what foods to avoid, and generally how to live with a low potassium diet. For more information, talk to your dietician, clinical nurse, or doctor.
About the author: Stuart Drew is a 34 year old dialysis patient from Adelaide, Australia. He has a wilfe, a son (with another on the way), and two miniature schnauzers. He is a part time web geek, and runs the website therenalunit.com - a news service for all issues relating to kidney disease and dialysis. He can be contacted at stuart@stuartdrew.com
 Google News Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:51:42 GMT Red alert! The cellphone warning has been issued - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Now he's done it. Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, has said what no one else would -- no cancer experts anyway. Pittsburgh Cancer Center Warns of Cell Phone Risks Cancer researcher warns about cell phone use Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:07:36 GMT Report: Eagles call Packers about Favre - SportingNews.com
SportingNews.com - While the Philadelphia Eagles are taking it easy with Donovan McNabb in training camp as he works his way back from a shoulder injury, that hasn't stopped them from going after some potential insurance. Winfield a Favre fan AP Source: Goodell monitoring Favre situation Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:26:08 GMT Hurricane Dolly Makes Landfall in Southern Texas (Update2) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Demian McLean July 23 (Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Dolly was downgraded to a Category 1 storm as it made landfall today in southern Texas, where coastal residents weathered their first direct hit by a hurricane in almost a decade. Video: Dolly Pummels Texas Gulf Coast Dolly forces refining cuts, hits gas output Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:36:26 GMT Bloomberg, Gates pledge $375 mln against tobacco - Reuters
Reuters - By Christine Kearney NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) co-founder Bill Gates pledged $375 million on Wednesday to fight what they called a global tobacco ... Video: Gates, Bloomberg Pool Riches to Fight Smoking Bloomberg and Gates fight smoking Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:11:25 GMT 'Dark Knight' Christian Bale's lady sidekick: Sibi Bale - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Like the Dark Knight/Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale is a real-life man of mystery. Averse to personal publicity, he is well-known for not wanting to discuss his private life. Christian Bale, Wife "Solid" at Knight's Spain Premiere Bale attends 'Dark Knight' premiere in Spain Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:54:18 GMT The night Karadzic rocked the Madhouse - guardian.co.uk
guardian.co.uk - A man plays a gusle in a bar called Madhouse in Belgrade, where war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic is now known to have frequented. Video: Karadzic's arrest sparks clashes - 23 Jul 08 Arrest of Radovan Karadzic: Why Now and Who's Next? Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:35:43 GMT Review: 'Step Brothers' - 40-year-old goobers - San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco Chronicle - Step Brothers: Comedy. Starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. Directed by Adam McKay. (R. 95 minutes. At Bay Area theaters. For complete movie listings and show times, and to buy tickets for select theaters, go to sfgate. Video: The Stars of 'Step Brothers' `Step Brothers' Ferrell, Reilly reunite as duo Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:39:58 GMT afdf |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Alcohol rehabilitation centers in the United States offer a wide... Read More Today there are about 70 million Americans with arthritis?that's one... Read More It's now possible to locate and purchase a wide variety... Read More Things are moving forward and new and advanced procedures are... Read More Last year I told an acquaintance that at the age... Read More Clinton's recent quadruple bypass surgery has been largely debated. Being... Read More The pharmaceutical industry is a tremendously profitable one, as anyone... Read More The American Heart Association estimates that one of three Americans... Read More Every year about this time doctors around the world are... Read More Sit down in a quiet place alone and take a... Read More Many researchers believe that addiction is a behavior that can... Read More Using ice to treat injuries is one of the oldest... Read More Rezulin, a prescription type 2 diabetes drug has been withdrawn... Read More DENVER ? Sometimes as Freud once said a good cigar... Read More All medications, which include prescriptions, over-the-counter preparations, vitamin and mineral... Read More Any dialysis patient who has had a brush with high... Read More A wee bit of fluoride makes teeth and dentists happy,... Read More Infant acid reflux is quite common. People of all ages,... Read More Prescription drugs can save your life. But interactions between prescription... Read More In the early nineties, Redux was the original miracle diet... Read More Healthcare professionals are under pressure to remember, utilize and absorb... Read More Please feel free to comment, so I may modify this... Read More While everybody else is wandering around enjoying the spring weather,... Read More Sinusitis and Sinus Infection Starts with a Little SniffleYes, I... Read More Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands... Read More
Adsense
websites
Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers - Take An Informed Decision
Who Else Wants General Information on Arthritis?
Finding the Medical Supplies you need!
SUPERLASIK- Enhance Your Vision; Safer Than LASIK
The Pain Factor
Clinton on South Beach Diet
Bextra Withdrawal Could Be Just the Beginning for Pfizer
Hypertension & High Blood Pressure: How To Improve Life Threatening Weight-Related Diseases
Warning! Flu Shots Can Be Dangerous To Your Health
Modern Medicine Has Extended Life - BUT 9 Out of 10 People Say Its a Miserable Extension!
Are You Suffering From Addiction?
The Power of Ice
Rezulin Liver Failure Causes FDA to Recall Drug
Chronic Headaches and Pain Often Can Be Eliminated By A Special Dentist
10 Tips for Responsible Medication Use
Potassium and The Dialysis Patient
Death by Fluoride
Infants and Acid Reflux
Drug Interactions: Five Common Dangerous Interactions You Should Know About
Redux Lawyer Discusses Fen-Phen Fad
Interactive Technology in Healthcare Education
An Addition For Practitioners - How to Help Your Patients and Your Practice
Nasonex And You: Breathe Easy, Not Sneezy
Sinusitis: Sinus Infection Deals a Corporate KO
Considerations in Distance Education for the Medical Assistant Instructor
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
A Closer Look at Lower Back Pain Relief
As many as 8 out of 10 adults will experience... Read More
Bextra, Some Facts To Consider
For those who take Bextra, there are many warnings out... Read More
The Truth about C Reactive Protein and Cholesterol Lowering Drugs
You might disagree, but hear me out on this...The drug... Read More
Treating Neuromas - Ten Tips
A neuroma is an inflamed nerve. In the foot, the... Read More
Doc, My Tummy Aches and My Joints Hurt! Is there a connection?
Inflammatory disease of the bowel- regional enteritis (Crohn's disease) and... Read More
Facial Pain: When a Nerve Is a Live Wire
Of all the places in the body that can hurt,... Read More
Three Questions People Are Asking About Health Care in America
Q. Why is there so may uninsured people in America?A.... Read More
Amazing Shoulder Pain Reversing Secrets!
Whether you're a weekend athlete, or a gardener that overdid... Read More
7 Tips to Immediately Reduce Rotator Cuff Pain
1. Support the affected arm during activities of daily living.... Read More
Every Pharmaceutical Drug LEECHES Nutrients From Your Body
Are you currently on one or more pharmaceutical drugs? Perhaps... Read More
Ingrown Toe Nails Medical Treatment
Medical Care:Treatment options depend on the stage of ingrown toenails,... Read More
How to Make Changes in Your Healthcare Organization
For many of us change is a difficult process. In... Read More
Relafen: A New Drug with an Old Danger
Individuals who regularly take Relafen (nabumetone) or other anti-inflammatory medications,... Read More
Drug Abuse In Teens: Online Drug Abuse Identification Help
Teen drug abuse is at an all time high, but... Read More
Chicago Drug Rehab: Long Term Help For a Real Recovery
The central location of the city of Chicago has made... Read More
The Check Doctor Credentials Theory
In 2003, there where more than 890 million doctor visits... Read More
Risperdal Side Effects: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome NMS
Risperdal is an atypical anti-psychotic drug that balances the levels... Read More
SUPERLASIK- Enhance Your Vision; Safer Than LASIK
Things are moving forward and new and advanced procedures are... Read More
Is Anxiety Ruling Your Life?
Anxiety is the most frequently occurring mental health disorder in... Read More
Common Drugs and Their Uses
The five drugs that are discussed in this article are... Read More
Using Blood Pressure Monitors To Maintain Your Health
Many people today realize the importance of keeping their blood... Read More
Prescription Drug Benefit Cost Understated by $324 Billion!
When the legislation was passed for Bush's prescription drug benefit... Read More
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyer Says: Get Help
SJS is an allergic reaction to certain medications that can... Read More
Top Five FAQs About Nail Fungus
What is nail fungus?Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is... Read More
Cetyl Myristoleate for Arthrtis: Science or Speculation
There are a lot of fabulous stories about Cetyl Myristoleate... Read More
Medicine |