Dietary Advice

Patients with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis (attacks of weakness when the blood potassium levels are high) can have attacks that are triggered by meals containing higher levels of potassium.

Some patients are able to identify specific dietary triggers, while others are not. Trying to avoid potassium-rich foods can help minimise attacks.

Patients with hypokalaemic periodic paralysis have attacks of weakness when the blood potassium levels are low. They can have attacks that are triggered by meals that trigger a drop in potassium such as those high in carbohydrates.

Myotonia does not typically worsen with diet but patients with Paramyotonia congenita may find their symptoms worsen with high potassium foods. Patients may also find that they have attacks of weakness triggered by high potassium.

If this is the case, avoiding high potassium foods may help in the same way as in hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis.

Diet does not commonly affect Myotonia congenita, however some patients may find that certain foods worsen their myotonia. Keeping a food diary can be a good way to identify if any particular foods worsen your myotonia.