Hi My mother in law used tobeb a heavy drinker, she now lives with us and her potassium levels are really high. Since she has been with us she has had no alcohol at all. And eats 3 meals a day, versus nibbling at home. Could the stop pf drinking the alcohol raise her levels ?
Raised potassium levels may have many reasons. One of them could be medications such as potassium sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, chloride etc. The others are kidney problems, endocrine problems etc. High potassium levels are dangerous to the heart, and it is important to find out the cause of the raised level. I suggest the following tests: Serum sodium, serum cortisol, serum ACTH, Blood urea, serum creatinine and complete blood count. Please repeat the potassium level again. I presume that your mother-in-law is not on any medication. If she is and her potassium levels are high you should consult a doctor to find out if there is any medication that is causing high potassium levels. If it is so then that medicine has to be stopped. High potassium values affect the heart and cause problems in the rhythm leading to dangerous abnormal heart beats which can be life-threatening.  Since her potassium levels are high fruits, tender coconut water etc. should also be avoided as they are high in potassium. Alcohol consumption usually raises liver enzymes and are not directly related to potassium. For further advice please consult a physician