There is a lot of potassium in the environment, from soils to natural waters. It is important for your heart, nerves, and muscles to have enough potassium in your body, but consuming too much potassium can be dangerous.
The healthy blood potassium level ranges from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A blood potassium level of 6.0 mmol/L or higher is dangerous, and requires immediate treatment.
If high-risk individuals are advised by their physicians to avoid excessive potassium intake, it may be worth considering only drinking water that contains LOW or NO potassium.
Is Potassium In Water Harmful To Our Health?
Potassium in drinking water could cause health problems for people who are sensitive to it, such as,
- Individuals with cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, or hyperkalemia who also have kidney dysfunction
- Patients taking medications that alter potassium’s role in the body.
- In addition to nausea, chest tightness, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and vomiting, potassium toxicity can cause heart failure.
Potassium is filtered out of your body through the kidneys. Having too much potassium in your system makes your kidneys unable to remove it. The result is an accumulation of potassium in the blood.
These factors, along with conditions such as kidney disease, contribute to hyperkalemia.
Hypokalemia (high potassium) is an abnormally high level of potassium in the body.
What Is A Normal Level Of Potassium?
An adult’s blood potassium level typically ranges between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter. Human bodies contain approximately 110 to 140 grams of potassium, which is primarily determined by muscle mass.
Adults needs to consume around 3,400 mg (for males) or 2,600 mg (for females) of potassium per day since their kidneys will remove at least 5 mmol (~195 mg) of potassium each day.
Heart problems may occur if your blood serum reading is higher than 6.5 mmol/L, which requires immediate medical assistance.
The risk of hyperkalemia increases above 5.5 mmol/L.
1 mmol potassium = 39 mg potassium
Dietary reference adequate potassium intake
| Age group | Dietary reference intake | |
| Children | 1–3 years 4–8 years 9–13 years | 2,000 mg 2,300 mg 2,500 mg (male); 2,300 mg (female) |
| Youth and adults | 14–18 years | 3,000 mg (male); 2,300 mg (female) |
| Adult | 19+ years | 3,400 mg (male); 2,600 mg (female) |
| Female (Pregnant) | 14–18 years 19-50 years | 2,600 mg 2,900 mg |
| Female (Lactating) | 14–18 years 19-50 years | 2,500 mg 2,800 mg |
How To Prevent Hyperkalemia?
A low-potassium diet is the most effective way to avoid hyperkalemia.
Individuals at risk should seek medical advice regarding the consumption of water that contains potassium to determine whether they should avoid it.
Mineral water is, without a doubt, the best water to consume if you want to maintain healthy kidneys.
It is recommended to drink 1.5 liters per day. You should increase your water intake if you engage in physical activity or live in a hot climate.
Many brands have appeared on the market that provide low potassium bottled water for those worried about excessive potassium in water.
Here are some great options to consider:
Brands Of Bottled Water Low In Potassium
1. Aquafina Purified Water
Aquafina Purified Water is completely free of potassium, fluoride, and artificial additives, letting Aquafina live up to its brand name of ‘perfectly pure-tasting water.
In contrast to many other brands, Aquafina is not spring water. Aquafina bottles feature a blue label that describes “pure water” sourced from public water sources.
Unlike additional filtered water, Aquafina has a pH of 5.1, with no salts, minerals, or additives. It is made from a 7-step purification system, HydRO-7TM, to ensure its quality and taste. The TDS in this purified water is 10 mg/L.
2. Glaceau Smart Water
Glaceau Smart Water is also known as “Best Sports Water” because it is made of vapor-distilled purified water and contains no potassium.
Water is purified as the first raindrop by vapor distillation, which mimics the hydrologic cycle.
A process is used to separate, filter, then “regroup” water molecules. To vaporize water, heat is used, leaving behind contaminants and dissolved solids. Water condenses back to its pure state after the vapor is cooled.
Smartwater is ionized to a pH of 9+, and it makes sure to maintain freshness, crispness, and purity.
3. Nestle Pure Life Purified Water
Nestlé Pure Life water has a pH of 7.8, and it is free of Potassium. A half-liter bottle typically contains 2.2 to 4.75 milligrams of sodium, considered sodium-free by FDA labeling guidelines since the amount is nutritionally insignificant.
Nestle Pure Life procures its water from a well or municipal tap, which is regularly tested.
Water from the municipal supply is filtered through an activated carbon filtering process that removes chlorine and other chemicals.
Calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium sulfate are added for an even crispier taste.
4. AQUAhydrate Electrolyte Enhanced Water
Aquahydrate is sugar-free, calorie-free, and potassium-free. Aquahydrate water is ultra-purified through a proprietary three-step process. It is enriched with natural electrolytes.
A pharmaceutical-grade UV filter removes impurities from the water and removes unwanted dissolved solids.
This great-tasting, high-performance water uses a proprietary blend of 72 trace minerals specially designed for people who live active lives.
With a pH level of 9.0, AQUAhydrate helps restore balance to your body by increasing alkalinity levels.
To improve the quality and effectiveness of the product, sodium, chloride, and magnesium are added as electrolytes.
5. Just Water
Just Water is a naturally alkaline spring water that has a potassium level of 1 mg/L, a pH of 8.0, and total dissolved solids (TDS) of 94.
It is packaged in plant-based materials so that ambient flavors do not negatively affect its taste.
This 100% spring water is pure, natural, and comes from Glens Falls, New York. Water that draws minerals from the mountains where it flows, not from a powder added before it’s bottled.
It is calcium and magnesium-rich, which contributes to its crisp, pure, and delicious taste.
6. Evian Water
Evian Water contains 1 mg of potassium per liter and is known for its natural filtration process. It is created by nature. The rocks, over time, filter the rainwater before being collected and bottled.
Evian water does not undergo any purification process – nothing is added or taken away.
The water has a pH of 7.2 that makes it naturally balanced, which ensures it tastes excellent. TDS level is 357 mg/l, and it contains essential minerals in a flat form with electrolytes.
7. VOSS
Water for VOSS is obtained from a source within the Southern Norway region and has 1 mg/l of potassium and a pH of 6.
Aquifer water is derived from underground aquifers and has a sharp, sophisticated taste, so it’s ideal for rehydrating your body.
VOSS also has a low TDS level. People sometimes prefer this since it can be an indicator of water purity. However, the lower the TDS, the lower the mineral content.
Although minerals provide health benefits and optimal hydration, some are only beneficial at low concentrations, such as potassium and fluoride.
8. Waiakea
Waiakea water is naturally derived from the Mauna Loa Volcano and contains 1 mg of potassium. This pure alkaline water is sourced directly from nature.
Waiakea also contains 0.5 mg of silica and 0.1 mg of magnesium, the recommended daily value.
This contributes to its unique taste profile, which is enhanced by its mineral content and ensures its purity.
This water is known for its refreshing taste, making consumers feel hydrated within minutes of drinking it. Through a novel filtration process, a pH level of 7 is maintained.
Does water intake affect potassium levels?
Our bodies respond negatively to both excessive and low intake of water. Drinking insufficient water causes diarrhea, and the body excretes too much fluid. This causes dehydration and potassium loss in your body.
Also, too much water causes an electrolyte imbalance in your body. As a result of this, the body can become hypokalemic due to Potassium depletion.
Is coffee high in potassium?
In terms of potassium, coffee falls into the low potassium category with 49mg (0.04mmol) per cup. In some cases, however, too much caffeine can lead to hypokalaemia.
The body can’t filter extra potassium from the system, resulting in hyperkalemia.
Generally, fewer than three cups of coffee per day are safe. Three to four cups of coffee per day are considered high in potassium.
Is carbonated water ok for kidney disease?
High amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages enhanced with minerals like sodium (salt) and potassium can cause health concerns for a kidney patient.
In addition to high fructose content, sugar-sweetened drinks increase serum uric acid levels, increasing gout risk.
American Kidney Fund concluded that drinking two or more carbonated beverages per day raises your risk of chronic kidney disease.