9 months ago I began taking Kratom tea, which comes from a southern Asian plant which is sister to the coffee plant. The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder. It looks like green tea, matcha, and tastes earthy like green tea. It was my yoga student who recommended it for my chronic back pain as I was recovering from a spinal surgery (#3). He had taken it for natural pain relief throughout his body after a severe motorcycle accident. I did my research and knew there were risks, but I wanted to go a more natural route than pills all of my life. Rushing at 6 am to get ready for my new hospital job, I didn't measure the recommended dose accurately, and often added too much powder to my giant hot flask. Because of the dirty flavor, I added 2 bags of hibiscus/berry tea, lemon, and sweetener. I drank 5 cups of this daily. Fast forward to last month, when I had blood drawn prior to my spinal fusion surgery. I received 3 phone calls from 3 different doctors the following day. My potassium in my blood was dangerously high. My calcium was also extremely high. I was commanded to have another blood test 2 days later.
I didn't think that was enough time to flush out the potassium with increased water and ginger, coffee, and taking laxatives to eliminate excess potassium. I asked for more days, but was denied. "This is urgent, and this is your heart and kidneys we are talking about," was the reply from my health practitioners. I was more concerned with continuing my plans for spinal fusion on a certain day. I had done all of the human resources filing, medical leave paperwork, etc., and didn't want to delay. Plus, my chronic pain in my back and lower extremities had increased, sometimes losing mobility in my left leg resulting in falls. Needless to say I went down the deep dive of researching everything I coud as I consumed large quantities of water, ginger tea, coffee, and low potassium foods.
In the past 9 months the only new things I had changed in my diet and supplement routine were the Kratom and hibiscus, so I began researching there. I felt really dumb for a smart person. I found out that Kratom can cause high levels in potassium in as little as 6-8 weeks if too much is consumed (me: a natural extremist, a Scorpio). I also found out that hibiscus is the only flower made into a tea which keeps the body from excreting potassium. This plant is commonly used when folks have extremely low levels of potassium in their bloodstream. Luckily for me the potassium amounts went back to normal in 2 days of my flushing. Let's look at high potassium in the bloodstream together:
High levels of potassium in the bloodstream, known as hyperkalemia, can be a significant health concern. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that supports many vital functions, including muscle contractions and nerve signal transmission. While potassium is crucial for health, too much can disrupt these processes and pose risks. Hyperkalemia is most commonly caused by kidney dysfunction, as the kidneys are responsible for regulating potassium balance in the body. Other contributors can include certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics, and chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, kidney impairment significantly increases the risk of elevated potassium levels due to reduced excretion.
The Effects of Excess Potassium
When potassium levels in the blood become too high, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Early signs might include muscle weakness, fatigue, and tingling sensations. If hyperkalemia worsens, it can lead to more serious effects such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), which may become life-threatening if not managed properly. Research from the American Heart Journal highlights that elevated potassium levels can disrupt the electrical conductivity of the heart, potentially leading to cardiac arrest. Therefore, understanding and managing potassium levels is crucial, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.
How to Manage and Reduce Potassium Levels
For individuals diagnosed with hyperkalemia, the focus often shifts to managing and lowering potassium levels. One approach includes dietary modifications, such as reducing intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, and spinach. Patients should work with their healthcare provider or a dietitian to create a balanced diet plan. Medications such as diuretics can help flush excess potassium through urine, especially when prescribed under medical supervision. For more severe cases, treatment may involve sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), which binds to potassium in the intestines and helps remove it through the digestive tract. Studies in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation underscore the importance of such treatments in managing acute hyperkalemia.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Resources
Beyond immediate treatments, maintaining long-term control over potassium levels often includes monitoring kidney function and staying informed about medications that could contribute to hyperkalemia. Simple steps like staying hydrated and engaging in regular medical check-ups can be beneficial. Online resources such as those from the National Kidney Foundation offer educational materials and guidelines for patients. If you suspect high potassium levels or experience any associated symptoms, it’s vital to seek prompt medical advice. Personalized care and professional guidance play a key role in maintaining health and preventing complications associated with hyperkalemia.
Blessings, and thank you for reading,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
I didn't think that was enough time to flush out the potassium with increased water and ginger, coffee, and taking laxatives to eliminate excess potassium. I asked for more days, but was denied. "This is urgent, and this is your heart and kidneys we are talking about," was the reply from my health practitioners. I was more concerned with continuing my plans for spinal fusion on a certain day. I had done all of the human resources filing, medical leave paperwork, etc., and didn't want to delay. Plus, my chronic pain in my back and lower extremities had increased, sometimes losing mobility in my left leg resulting in falls. Needless to say I went down the deep dive of researching everything I coud as I consumed large quantities of water, ginger tea, coffee, and low potassium foods.
In the past 9 months the only new things I had changed in my diet and supplement routine were the Kratom and hibiscus, so I began researching there. I felt really dumb for a smart person. I found out that Kratom can cause high levels in potassium in as little as 6-8 weeks if too much is consumed (me: a natural extremist, a Scorpio). I also found out that hibiscus is the only flower made into a tea which keeps the body from excreting potassium. This plant is commonly used when folks have extremely low levels of potassium in their bloodstream. Luckily for me the potassium amounts went back to normal in 2 days of my flushing. Let's look at high potassium in the bloodstream together:
High levels of potassium in the bloodstream, known as hyperkalemia, can be a significant health concern. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that supports many vital functions, including muscle contractions and nerve signal transmission. While potassium is crucial for health, too much can disrupt these processes and pose risks. Hyperkalemia is most commonly caused by kidney dysfunction, as the kidneys are responsible for regulating potassium balance in the body. Other contributors can include certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics, and chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, kidney impairment significantly increases the risk of elevated potassium levels due to reduced excretion.
The Effects of Excess Potassium
When potassium levels in the blood become too high, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Early signs might include muscle weakness, fatigue, and tingling sensations. If hyperkalemia worsens, it can lead to more serious effects such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), which may become life-threatening if not managed properly. Research from the American Heart Journal highlights that elevated potassium levels can disrupt the electrical conductivity of the heart, potentially leading to cardiac arrest. Therefore, understanding and managing potassium levels is crucial, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.
How to Manage and Reduce Potassium Levels
For individuals diagnosed with hyperkalemia, the focus often shifts to managing and lowering potassium levels. One approach includes dietary modifications, such as reducing intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, and spinach. Patients should work with their healthcare provider or a dietitian to create a balanced diet plan. Medications such as diuretics can help flush excess potassium through urine, especially when prescribed under medical supervision. For more severe cases, treatment may involve sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), which binds to potassium in the intestines and helps remove it through the digestive tract. Studies in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation underscore the importance of such treatments in managing acute hyperkalemia.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Resources
Beyond immediate treatments, maintaining long-term control over potassium levels often includes monitoring kidney function and staying informed about medications that could contribute to hyperkalemia. Simple steps like staying hydrated and engaging in regular medical check-ups can be beneficial. Online resources such as those from the National Kidney Foundation offer educational materials and guidelines for patients. If you suspect high potassium levels or experience any associated symptoms, it’s vital to seek prompt medical advice. Personalized care and professional guidance play a key role in maintaining health and preventing complications associated with hyperkalemia.
Blessings, and thank you for reading,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
- Journal of the American Society of Nephrology: Research highlighting the correlation between kidney dysfunction and hyperkalemia risk. This study emphasizes how impaired kidney function leads to decreased potassium excretion, thus raising blood potassium levels.
- American Heart Journal: Studies focusing on the effects of hyperkalemia on cardiac function. These articles provide insights into how high potassium disrupts heart rhythm and can potentially lead to serious conditions like cardiac arrest.
- Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation: Clinical trials and studies exploring treatments for hyperkalemia, such as the efficacy of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) and diuretics in removing excess potassium from the body.
- National Kidney Foundation: A reputable source offering patient-centered educational resources that discuss hyperkalemia, its causes, and management strategies.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Comprehensive information on hyperkalemia, including patient symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists: Research publications that discuss the interactions between common medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors) and potassium regulation, contributing to an increased risk of hyperkalemia.
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