Healing Nutrition

Potassium is an abundant mineral in the human body, and we obtain it from some fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy, and fish [1]. 

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Potassium is an essential electrolyte for the body to work properly. Among other functions, some of the potassium roles include:

• Controls the electrical activity of the heart

• Ensures proper muscle and nerve function

• Supports normal blood pressure

• Vital for protein production and metabolizing carbohydrates

• It helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells

• It may reduce the risk of bone loss as we age [2]

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Cancer treatment side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea also can result in excessive potassium loss from the digestive tract. Some chemotherapy drugs can also make you have low potassium in your blood. 
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When there is a low level of potassium, known as hypokalemia, you may experience muscle weakness and cramps, fatigue, constipation, abnormal heart rhythms, and a slight increase in blood pressure [3]. 

 

Contrary, excess potassium in the blood, known as hyperkalemia, can cause heart and kidney problems [3]. Therefore, there must be a balance of this mineral in the body. 

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The normal adult value for potassium is 3.5-5.2 mEq/L [4].

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Hypokalemia is a low serum potassium concentration (< 3.5 mEq/L). Severe hypokalemia is a potassium level lower than 2.5 mEq/L, representing a potentially life-threatening disorder.

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Recommended Amounts

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The National Academy of Medicine established an Adequate Intake (AI) for potassium.

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• For women 19 years old and older: 2,600 mg potassium daily 

• For men 19 years old and older: 3,400 mg potassium daily

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Foods to Eat to Increase Potassium

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The consumption of foods with a high potassium content is essential in diets requiring high levels of this micronutrient, as it often occurs during cancer and cancer treatment. ​If your doctor or dietitian tells you your potassium is too low (hypokalemia), you need to increase the potassium-rich foods in your diet.

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• Cooked leafy greens like Swiss chard and spinach

• Potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro

• Beets and beet greens 

• Avocados

• Winter squash

• Beans and lentils

• Bananas and plantains

• Fish: cod, halibut, snapper, tuna​

• Dairy and plant-based milks (almond and soy)

• Tempeh and soybeans 

• Tomato paste or pureed

• Yogurt

• Papaya

• Cantaloupe

• Orange 

• Raisins 

• Dates

• Nectarines

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What to Drink to Increase Potassium

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Many drinks high in potassium can help increase the potassium in your diet. Some drinks have potassium naturally, while others have potassium added during processing. 

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• Coconut water

• Fruit juices like apricot, tangerine, orange, passion fruit juice

• Vegetable juices like tomato and carrot juice

• Cow's milk

• Soy milk

• Pedialyte® 

• Gatorade®  

• Propel® 

• Powerade®

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What Causes Low Potassium in Cancer

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Low potassium (hypokalemia) is a prevalent condition in cancer patients resulting from distinct and specific causes. Chemotherapy can lead to hypokalemia indirectly via side effects of decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea or directly via renal tubular effects.
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During cancer treatment, having poor appetite, nausea, and mouth sores can make you eat less than usual, reducing potassium intake. 

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Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation in the abdomen and pelvis may cause side effects of vomiting and diarrhea which can deplete potassium from your body. 
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​Specific chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, and abiraterone, can deplete potassium leading to hypokalemia [7, 8, 9, 10].
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Other causes can also deplete potassium from your body, such as medications such as diuretics and certain antibiotics, excessive use of laxatives, and diseases such as inflammatory bowel and kidney diseases [11].

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56 Foods and Drinks High Potassium

 

​Learn about the amount of potassium that The best 56 foods and drinks high in potassium have. These foods and beverages are also excellent sources of other nutrients like protein, magnesium, folate, vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, fiber, and many others. Eating potassium-rich foods every day can help you reach your nutritional goals. 

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Note:

 

Do not take potassium supplements unless your healthcare team recommends them, as this can easily cause dangerous blood potassium levels. Discuss with your doctor or oncology dietitian if you feel you are not eating enough nutrients or have cancer treatment side effects.