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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Dr.Sarada Chandrasekaran, Thank you for the question

The health concerns mentioned by you require diagnosis and management by a healthcare professional. We request you to kindly contact your nephrologist and endocrinologist for further assistance, diagnosis and management.

Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum or plasma potassium level above the upper limits of normal, usually greater than 5.0 mEq/L to 5.5 mEq/L. Symptoms usually develop at higher levels, 6.5 mEq/L to 7 mEq/L. Common symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness etc. Some of the causes of Hyperkalemia are excess intake of potassium rich foods, improper excretion of potassium due to potential kidney ailments or due to consumption of certain medications etc.

Tips to manage Hyperkalemia-

• Limit the intake of high potassium foods such as dried fruits, seaweed, nuts, molasses, avocados, and Lima beans.
• Limit the intake of vegetables & fruits that are high in potassium such as  spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, beets, carrots, squash, kiwis, mangoes, oranges, bananas, and cantaloupe etc.
• Red meats are also rich in potassium and must limited or preferably avoided in case higher serum/plasma potassium levels.
• Leaching is a cooking method that helps you enjoy some of your favourite high potassium vegetables. The process of leaching will help pull some potassium out of high potassium vegetables. It is important to remember that this process does not pull out all of the potassium. You must still limit the amount of leached high potassium vegetables you eat.
• Fruits & Vegetables than can be consumed moderately: Apple, Papaya, Pineapple, Guava. Cucumber, Field beans, Knol khol, peas, Ridge gourd, bottle gourd, fenugreek leaves, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, brinjal, lettuce, broccoli

Please consult a health care professional or a registered dietitian for guidance on management of hyperkalemia and low potassium diet.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that prevents the body to utilise glucose completely or partially. It is characterised by raised glucose concentration in blood and alterations in carbohydrates, protein & fat metabolism. Various factors like genetics, sedentary lifestyle, acute stress etc., can cause diabetes. 

Management of any type of diabetes requires diagnosis and further assistance from specific health care professionals. Kindly contact your health care professional for further guidance.

Here are a few dietary tips to help manage Diabetes

• It is recommended to have low GI (Glycaemic index) foods. Simple sugars should be restricted since they are easily absorbed and have high glycaemic index. Some of the Low GI foods include green leafy vegetables, green beans, apples, orange, pear, wheat, millets, pulses, lentils etc (keep in mind the potassium value of the foods to maintain a low potassium diet).
• High protein intake helps to increase insulin production & promote satiety. Pulses, lentils, eggs, lean meat, paneer etc., are a good source of protein.
• Combination of oils is preferrable. Include monounsaturated (MUFA) & Polyunsaturated (PUFA) containing oils like sunflower oil, ground nut oil, Gingelly oils.
• Increase intake of whole grains and legumes and limiting the intake of saturated fats helps in improving insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of diabetes independent of weight loss.
• Include fiber from foods such as whole grains, millets, multigrains, seeds, nuts like almonds, walnuts, groundnut, vegetables and fruits like apples, oranges, papaya etc.
• Limit intake of fruits such as pineapple, mango, dates, pears etc, as they have high Glycemic Index.
• Avoid fasting for longer teams, regular meal timings should be practiced.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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