• Avocados are one of many foods that contain very high levels of potassium.avocado in avocado p??ree image by Lucky Dragon from Fotolia.com
  
  Potassium is an electrolyte mineral which helps to maintain fluid and electrical balances within the body. Most of the time, potassium appears within the tissues, not in the blood (at least not in large amounts). Hyperkalaemia occurs if blood tests reveal high levels of potassium in the blood; depending on the cause, it may be reason for concern. Symptoms for hyperkalaemia include headaches, nausea, arrhythmias, muscle weakness and fatigue. While uncommon, patients who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention straight away.
  
  

Nutrition

• Low-sodium salts are often very high in potassium.fleur de sel, white sea salt crystal, white background image by Oliver Mohr from Fotolia.com
  
  Potassium appears in a wide variety of foods; when potassium levels rise, consider how much potassium you receive each day in your diet. High potassium foods include avocados, asparagus, tomatoes, spinach, lima beans, carrots, bananas, peaches, apricots, dandelion leaves, lamb and roast beef. Low-sodium varieties of salt are becoming more common in supermarkets and health food shops as well, and many of these contain very high amounts of potassium. Nutritional supplements may sometimes contain moderate doses of potassium as well; check them before adding them to your diet.
  
  

Kidney Problems

• The kidneys are in charge of maintaining water and electrolyte balance in the body.splash of water glass image by OMKAR A.V from Fotolia.com
  
  The kidneys maintain a healthy balance of potassium within the body, excreting whatever potassium the body does not require through the urine. Kidney disease--where they cannot perform their function--constitutes the most common cause of too much potassium. Conditions which may cause this include kidney infection, kidney failure and blockages of the urinary tract by kidney or bladder stones. All of these conditions require urgent medical attention.
  
  

Addison's Disease

• Problems with the adrenal glands may cause fatigue and weight loss.Exhausted young woman image by Olga Sapegina from Fotolia.com
  
  The adrenal glands are small organs located at the top of each kidney; they secrete a hormone named aldosterone that controls the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. If for any reason the adrenal glands stop secreting aldosterone, the kidneys will stop excreting potassium and blood levels of potassium will rise. Addison's Disease, where the adrenal glands stop producing aldosterone and cortisol (possibly due to hormonal imbalances or auto-immune problems) can create such conditions. Other symptoms of Addison's disease include weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure and darkening of the skin.
  
  

Trauma

• Acute injuries can lead to immediate rises in potassium levels.elastic bandage image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
  
  Though relatively uncommon, acute trauma or bleeding can release potassium in heightened levels into the blood. Potassium can increase in response to burns, bruises, cuts, blood transfusions, surgery, internal bleeding and rhabdomyolysis (the destruction of the muscles due to alcoholism or drug abuse). If you experience any of these injuries, then ask the doctor to check for high levels of potassium in the blood.