RAAS inhibitor, potassium binder, and diet connection | Beyond Bananas

Potassium is a nutrient that your body needs for your nerves and muscles–especially your heart–to work right. It is found in most foods, especially vegetables, fruits like bananas, and even protein. Your kidneys help to keep the potassium levels in your body within a healthy range. But when you have kidney disease, sometimes your kidneys can’t remove the extra potassium from your body.

Potassium binders are medicines to help your body get rid of extra potassium. When your kidneys are not working well, they do not take enough potassium out of your blood. Too much potassium in your blood can cause problems with your heart and other muscles. ACE inhibitors and ARBs are medicines commonly used to control blood pressure. These are types of RAAS inhibitors.

Learn how appropriate hyperkalemia (high potassium) management through use of binders may allow for more flexibility in one's diet choices.

Visit: https://www.kidneyfund.org/beyondbananas

Educational content made possible by AstraZeneca.