why is my potassium level increasing?

Answer 1

Potassium is an essential mineral micronutrient in human nutrition; it assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. Potassium is also important in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism.

A shortage of potassium can cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia, typically resulting in diarrhea, increased diuresis and vomiting. Deficiency symptoms include dry skin, acne, chills, diarrhea, impaired cognitive function, muscle spasms, arrhythmia, decreased reflex response, thirst, glucose intolerance, growth retardation, insomnia, cholesterol, and decreased blood pressure.

Eating a variety of foods that contain potassium is the best way to get an adequate amount. Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need supplements. Foods with high sources of potassium include bananas, avocados, celery, parsnips and turnips, although many other fruits, vegetables, and meats contain potassium. Research has indicated that diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension.

The 2004 guidelines of the Institute of Medicine specify an RDA of 4,700 mg of potassium. However, it is thought that most Americans consume only half that amount per day ([2]). Similarly, in the European Union, particularly in Germany and Italy, insufficient potassium intake is widespread ([3]).

Some people with kidney disease are advised to avoid large quantities of dietary potassium

Answer 2

You're right, but you're missing something. OK the cell is more positive on the outside than on the inside, as you say. That's because the Na+/K+ pump has established potassium on the inside and sodium outside, and the potassium leaks out faster than the Na+ leaks in. When a depolarization starts, the Na+ channels open up first, allowing Na+ to rush in, depolarizing the cell. Then the K+ channels open up, allowing K+ out, which corrects this (re-polarizing the cell, and even undershooting the resting potential). So it is the increased intracellular Na+ that depolarizes the cell.

Answer 3

There are medications that can make you retain Potassium, and foods that are high in Potassium, you need to ask your Physician about testing. High levels of potassium can pose the same risk to your health as depleting your body of potassium.
Good Luck

Answer 4

You could be consuming foods high in Potassium. One reason of increasing Potassium level is that your kidney is not excreting it. How your creatinine level? It's not good to have a high or lower than normal Potassium you will develop cardiac arrhythmias. Or abnormal electrical conduction in your heart which you will notice that your pulse is abnormal.

Answer 5

Have your tap water analysed for potassium levels. Could be too much.

Answer 6

Have you been eating alot of bananas lately? THey have potassium in them.

Answer 7

It could be a medical problem or medication you're taking, but my first guess would be that you're drinking lots of sports drinks like Gatorade or Propel water. I would check with a doctor, since it can literally kill you if your level gets too high.

Answer 8

if you started a new prescription medication some have a side effect of raising potassium. otherwise, get checked out by a nephrologist, they can get find out the cause of your hyperkalemia and get it under control.

Answer 9

You're eating too many bananas

Answer 10

Maybe you eat too much bananas.