The kidneys are the main organs that help the body eliminate potassium ions. When the kidneys are healthy, excess potassium will be excreted in the urine. However, in people with kidney disease, this function is impaired, causing potassium to accumulate in the blood. When potassium levels are too high, patients may experience symptoms such as numbness in the hands, numbness in the lips, fatigue, weakness or arrhythmia.
Lettuce is a herb used by all plants, belonging to the saururaceae family. This herb has a welding properties, thermogenic and detoxifying effects, reducing swelling, constipation and diuretic. Lettuce is often used to support the treatment of conditions such as emphysema, cough due to heat, dysentery, urinary tract infections, or boils.
Lettuce contains many active ingredients such as volatile essential oils, quercetin, alkaloids and potassium salts ( kali chloride, potassium sulfat). These ingredients help fight bacteria, boost immunity and fight inflammation. Quercetin and potassium salt also have the effect of dilating kidney vessels, increasing blood flow, so they bring diuretic effects. Because of its high potassium content, fish lettuce should be used cautiously in patients with kidney disease.
Many people have the habit of drinking fish lettuce tea. However, because potassium in plants is easily dissolved into water, drinking too much of this tea can cause the body to take in a large amount of potassium ions. In people with weak kidneys, this can easily lead to excess potassium in the blood.
Although potassium is an important substance that helps balance water and supports nerve conduction, most of the potassium in the body is excreted through the kidneys. When the kidneys have impaired function or are severely damaged, potassium ions from inside the cells will leak out and increase blood potassium. Therefore, patients with chronic kidney failure need to especially limit the amount of potassium in their diet, including the use of tea or herbs rich in potassium such as lettuce and fish.
