Hyperkalaemic Periodic Paralysis
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. These attacks can be experienced as an episode of total or partial weakness. Some patients are able to identify specific dietary triggers, while others are not.
Dietary advice in HyperPP
Being aware of what you eat, avoiding foods that contain higher levels of potassium and looking at substituting them for lower potassium alternatives may all help with attack control.
This is general advice and maintaining a food diary may help you look at what your food triggers (if any) are. You can then discuss your diet diary with the specialist nurse to see where changes could be made.
It is important to ensure that you do not cut out potassium completely as it is important for the body to function normally. Too little is as harmful as too much. Always discuss any dietary changes with the specialist team and if needed with a dietitian.
Reducing potassium intake
Potassium is found in many foods and drinks including fruits, vegetables, potatoes, milk and some snack food. You do not need to avoid all high potassium foods; it may be sufficient to just reduce your intake of these foods or look at lower alternative sources of potassium (ask the nurse for further information) or consume them in moderation. Boiling vegetables in unsalted water helps remove some of the potassium.
Low potassium alternatives:
Fruits: blueberries, cranberries, lemons, peach juice, papaya juice, pear juice and canned pears.
Vegetables: bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, wax beans, raw cabbage, peppers, cucumber, watercress, water chestnuts and green beans, boiled potatoes (maximum 150g a day), pasta, rice, bread, couscous.
Carbohydrates/starchy foods: high-fibre low-glycaemic index carbs can be high in potassium. Try whole grain breads as an alternative.
