How could the older adult best avoid becoming hyperkalemic?

To avoid becoming hyperkalemic, which refers to elevated levels of potassium in the blood, it's important for older adults to manage their potassium intake carefully. The choice to avoid potassium-based salt substitutes is vital because many salt substitutes are made with potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. This means that using these substitutes can significantly increase potassium levels in the body.

Older adults may already be at a higher risk for hyperkalemia due to factors such as kidney function decline, medications, and dietary habits. Therefore, purposely avoiding these potassium-based products helps prevent the accumulation of potassium, ensuring that levels remain within a safe range.

On the other hand, increasing the consumption of potassium-rich foods or potassium-based salt substitutes could lead to an increased risk of hyperkalemia, especially in individuals with impaired renal function. Consuming dairy products can also be high in potassium and may not be advisable without proper management or moderation. Therefore, the best action to take for the older adult in this context is to avoid potassium-based salt substitutes altogether.