In some very severe cases, a patient may need dialysis to clear magnesium from their blood. Treatment is more complicated for people with kidney disease, since their kidneys may be less able to process magnesium. These medications can neutralize magnesium in the body so that it's no longer affecting your nerve and muscle function. If you have severe symptoms, including low blood pressure or loss of muscle function, doctors might prescribe calcium gluconate or chloride. If your levels are particularly high, or if you have kidney problems, your doctor might give you an intravenous diuretic, which will help you produce more urine and clear magnesium more quickly. Within 28 hours of stopping medication or supplements, magnesium levels should be about half of what they were for the average adult, and you'll likely start feeling better.īut that time frame largely depends on kidney function since "magnesium is usually cleared out of the system effectively by the kidneys," Patel said. The first treatment for too much magnesium is to stop taking any supplements or medications that contain magnesium. And if you take any diuretic or ACE inhibitor, ask your doctor whether you need periodic testing of your potassium and kidney function, to be on the safe side.Anytime you're experiencing symptoms of magnesium toxicity, it's a good idea to reach out for medical help, especially if you're taking a supplement containing magnesium. However, if you take a diuretic that depletes potassium levels, such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide, your doctor may prescribe extended-release potassium tablets, which contain 600 to 750 mg of the mineral. If you take a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as spironolactone, you should avoid salt substitutes and limit high-potassium foods. ![]() A mere one-quarter teaspoon of one brand contains about 800 mg of potassium. People trying to curb their sodium intake may try these products. ![]() However, grocery stores carry salt substitutes that may contain much higher amounts of potassium. You'd have to take lots of potassium supplements to get close to that amount-another reason to get the nutrient from your diet. That's just 2% of the 4,700 mg recommended dietary intake for potassium. As a result, potassium levels can rise to high levels, leading to dangerous heart rhythm problems and even cardiac arrest.īecause of this potential danger, the FDA limits over-the-counter potassium supplements (including multivitamin-mineral pills) to less than 100 milligrams (mg). But age, diabetes, heart failure, and certain other conditions may impair kidney function. Your kidneys help regulate potassium levels in your blood. Keeping your blood potassium level in the correct range is important, because this mineral also plays a key role in the function of nerves and muscles, including heart muscle. So can common painkillers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). And certain ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Prinvil, Zestril) or ramipril (Altace), may also raise potassium levels. But while some diuretics tend to lower potassium levels, others have the opposite effect. Many blood pressure medications-especially the commonly prescribed class known as diuretics-can affect your potassium level. But such diets also tend to be lower in sodium and contain other healthful nutrients, which may contribute to the observed blood pressure benefit. Potassium-rich diets help control blood pressure and have been linked to a lower risk of stroke. ![]() Many fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium, including spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, and avocado. ![]() To start with, you're much better off getting potassium from foods instead of potassium supplements. The short answer is no, you should not take potassium supplements unless your doctor prescribes them. Is that a good idea, and if so, how much should I take?Ī. This is a great question that comes up all the time-and with good reason, because potassium can be tricky. I have high blood pressure, and a friend recommended that I take a potassium supplement. A cup of cantaloupe contains about 400 mg of potassium.
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