Measuring Potassium

Your body needs potassium! But, it’s vital to have the right amount of potassium in your blood. Too much—OR too little—can harm you. You get potassium from foods, and healthy kidneys help keep your levels in balance. Blood tests can tell you if your levels are in the normal range.

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Potassium is an Electrolyte

In your blood, tiny but precise amounts of dissolved potassium help your cells talk to each other. Potassium is an electrolyte which is a substance that carries an electrical charge when it is dissolved in a fluid like water or blood. It helps carry electrical signals between your nerves and muscles—like your heart. Having the right amount of potassium in your blood is key to good health.

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What Does Potassium Do for You?

You need potassium so your muscles (including your heart), kidneys, gut, and nerves will work well. When your kidneys don’t work as well as they should, potassium can build up to harmful levels in your blood. Having too much or too little potassium can stop your heart.

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What Does Your Potassium Level Mean?

Do you know your serum potassium level? If you do, visit the eKidney Clinic site and plug it into our Potassium Calculator to see how you’re doing with your potassium.

Potassium levels pie chart. High is more than 5.1 milligrams per deciliter. Normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.1 milligrams per deciliter, and low is less than 3.5 milligrams per deciliter.

Limiting High Potassium Foods

You take in potassium through foods you eat—especially fruits and juices. If you take a diuretic, your doctor may change your dose or check your blood potassium often. Keeping your potassium in the normal range may mean limiting high potassium foods and drinks, like:

This website* has information on potassium in food other tips that might be helpful to use. Visit the Nutrition Room to learn more about potassium.

*Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

warning for foods with high phosphorus like beans, tomatoes, bananas, avocados, dried fruit, potatoes