Potassium and magnesium are both essential minerals. They help with a variety of important bodily functions, including maintaining the acid-base balance in the body, protein synthesis, muscle development, enzyme functions, energy production and transportation and muscle movement. Too high or too low levels of either of the minerals can lead to dangerous side effects, which, if left untreated, can be devastating. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about the levels of either mineral in your system.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is found primarily in the bones. Twenty-five grams of magnesium are generally present in the body. Magnesium aids in muscle contractions, energy production and transport and other important bodily functions. Magnesium is mostly ingested through food sources, and fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and soy products are particularly high in magnesium. Magnesium can also be taken as a supplement.
Use and Cautionary Advice for Magnesium
Medline Plus recommends doses of no more than 350 mg of magnesium per day for adults. Larger doses or prolonged magnesium use leading to a magnesium buildup can cause serious side effects, including low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, confusion, slowed breathing, and in extreme cases, coma or death. Consult your doctor before you begin taking magnesium supplements or change your diet to increase the level of magnesium in your body.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can be placed into three categories: early, moderate and severe. Early symptoms include anorexia, apathy, confusion, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, twitching muscles, poor memory and reduced learning ability. Moderate includes any heart rate changes, particularly a rapid or faster heartbeat. Severe symptoms include delirium, continuous muscle contractions, numbness, hallucinations and tingling sensations. If any of these symptoms present themselves, seek emergency medical attention.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that is classified as an electrolyte, as it is integral to electrical and cellular body functions. Potassium aids in protein synthesis, building muscle, regulating the acid and base levels in the body and supporting the electrical activity of the heart. Potassium is abundant in many food sources, including all meats, soy products, broccoli, peas, potatoes, winter squashes, tomatoes and milk and yogurt.
Use and Cautionary Advice for Potassium
Maintaining potassium levels is necessary to having a healthy blood pressure and sensitivity to salt. The daily recommended requirement is 4.7 g, and anything higher can help lower blood pressure levels. Too high a dose of potassium is referred to as hyperkalemia, which can lead to a variety of side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, abnormal heartbeat and muscle weakness. If any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor. According to Medline Plus, some conditions that lead to hyperkalemia include reduced kidney function, a severe infection or an abnormal breakdown of protein.
Too-low potassium levels are referred to as hypokalemia. Water pills or laxatives can cause a potassium deficiency which can inadvertently raise your blood pressure levels. Vomiting or diarrhea can also lead to potassium loss. If you are a routine user of water pills or laxatives, then consult your doctor to ensure you have healthy potassium levels in your body.
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