Staying Healthy
Ask the doctor: Can I replace potassium pills with foods high in potassium?
Q. I am taking furosemide (Lasix) once a day. I was told to also take potassium pills, but I don't like pills. Can I replace the potassium pill with foods high in potassium?
A. Maybe, with permission from your doctor.
Diuretics like furosemide encourage your kidneys to make more urine. They help people who have conditions like heart failure that cause extra fluid to build up in the body. However, many diuretics cause the kidneys to excrete potassium along with the extra fluid. If potassium levels get too low, serious problems can develop, including dangerous heart rhythms.
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