Potassium deficiency

Hi all, I understand that low blood Potassium can cause RLS or make it worse. There's also a tie up with Magnesium I believe. Just wanted to say that I'm on various tabs for high blood pressure, can't do without, been on for years. I have yearly blood checks. Though usually normal this time have low potassium, most likely due to diuretic Bendroflumethazide. RLS awful just now. Am hopeful getting potassium up again will help. So just reminding to keep checking everything relevant. Because normal once doesn't mean always will be. We all need every tiny bit of the jigsaw to be as perfect as possible. And due to my own fault was way behind when I should have had this recent test!

[Hidden]

I have to agree on the magnesium having a connection to RLS. Its not been studied on and its just been passed on by word of mouth that it works, and most likely a placebo effect. Dr. B says vitamins and supplements dont really work for RLS, only iron has a place which can be a benefit for RLS. altho not for everyone.

[Eryl]

Treatment of hypertension has progressed over the years. When my original doctor retired 3-4 years ago, my new (much younger) doctor reviewed my medication, put me on a 24 logger, and changed it completely. Bendroflumethazide is no longer a defacto medication for hypertension. I would be tempted to get a second opinion from a doctor up to date with the latest thinking.

[2everett]

Hi

Re high blood pressure- I read beetroot is almost instant at reducing blood pressure. I also read walnut oil relaxes arteries.

Hope that helps

[Hidden in reply to 2everett]

Thank you to all of you for replying to me. I am though on the most up to date selection of treatment for high BP. It's just I need 3 different tablets and I have side effects from any apart from my current regime. It runs in the family ( another condition that does! ) and most of us start around our mid 30's ( am now almost 67 ). But am staying off the diuretic till Potassium goes back up again.

I think Magnesium levels are bound up with Potassium levels even if the blood Mg appears normal. ....... just another thing to try to negotiate our way round!

[Jphickory]

I have been taking daily a powdered form of 325 mg of magnesium for the last 4 weeks. I haven't had RLS since I began this regimine. Will the relief last? I don't know but it's been absoujte heaven the last month. I'm taking no other medication and have changed nothing else with my diet. I have no doubt the magnesium is responsible. My RLS was a nearly a nightly affair for the last 40 years. Iron supplementation helped me initially but after about a week lost its effectiveness. Keeping fingers crossed the relief lasts.

[Hidden in reply to Jphickory]

I would love to know what form of Magneium you are taking and how much. I will try anything - well within reason but definitely magnesium. I've been taking tablets but so far not helped but I think they are difficult to absorb. I really appreciate you getting in touch

[Jphickory]

Alison7:

The magnesium supplement I've been taking is called Natural Calm in the orange flavor. It is made by Natural Vitality. The directions say to put a half teaspoon in a glass of water until dissolved. It has a bit of a fizz when you drink it. Two teaspoons a day is recommended. I'm looking at the ingredients now and they are as follows:

Ionic magnesium citrate (created from a highly absorbable proprietary blend of citic acid and magnesium carbonate), organic orange flavor and organic stevia.

I was at my wits end with the RLS and went into a nutrition store seeking help. I live in Missouri in the USA. The store owner recommended this product to me.

Since taking the product for a month, there were perhaps two times where I felt the slightest remenants of the RLS in the background. It was so slight I had no need to move my legs and the sensation quickly went away. I just awoke from another RLS free night. Prior to taking this magnesium i would have RLS nightly and it would keep me from falling asleep for hours (occasionally I would get it again in the morning hours after having had only a few short hours of sleep)

I sincerely hope this product might offer you the same relief it has provided me. I know we are all different. One note .... be careful taking too much of the powder at one time. I did that once and it upset my stomach. Thank you and best of luck.

[Hidden in reply to Jphickory]

Thank you for replying so quickly. I've found the product on Amazon in the UK and have now ordered it. Fingers crossed it has the same effect on me as it has had on you....... this condition is a total pest ( and that's putting it mildly ) as you know. To sleep even half normally again and have some energy and have the brain fog lifted after so many years would seem like a special gift - what most take for granted but a gift to us.

[Jphickory in reply to Hidden]

You are welcome. I truly know what you mean about what a gift a good night's sleep is. My fingers crossed for you as well....

[Jphickory]

any feedback on the magnesium supplement Alison7? I sure hope it's helping you. I'm still RLS free since beginning it.

[Hidden in reply to Jphickory]

Sadly not yet. I've been eating a lot of bananas to try to raise my potassium so that may be the problem as I've found before they made my RLS worse. Think I'll stop them now. Also, despite the orange flavour I don't find the Magnesium very palatable, sort of sickly, so I find it hard to finish. Do you have any hints about this? Any idea what the smallest volume a teaspoonful can be drunk in or if there is anything else such as a diluting juice which might mask it?

Last night was just awful so I need to find a way to try it properly!

Thanks so much again for your interest.

[Jphickory]

Sorry just now saw this. You can drink the solution in as little amount of water as you please. I put a teaspoon of the powder in about 3 oz of water. I actually find the taste quite good. Perhaps partly because I have such a positive association with it. Sure wish it would help you like it has me. I woke last night about 4am and realized I was having poor and fitful sleep due to RLS. I realized then I had not taken the magnesium citrate that day. I got out of bed and stirred a teaspoon into small glass of water and drank it. Literally in 15 minutes my RLS was gone. Before my taking magnesium citrate I would have likely never fallen back to sleep. I sure wish it had same affect on you.

[Hidden in reply to Jphickory]

Thanks, I'll try a smaller volume and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks again

[Peterdh2u in reply to Hidden]

Hi Alison, I'm dying to know if the magnesium worked for you in the end? Loving JP's enthusiasm and it sounds like a wonderfully convenient fix if it works!

After 30 years, I'm ever the optimist!