Paramyotonia congenita
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.
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.
