How to counteract too much magnesium?
In this brief guide, we will provide an answer to the question, “How to counteract too much magnesium?”. We will also elaborate on the symptoms and causes of too much magnesium.
How to counteract too much magnesium?
To counteract too much magnesium:
- Ask a doctor
- Limit the consumption of foods containing magnesium
- Take intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate
- Take medicines to lower the concentration to a safe range
- Get dialysis
What are the different ways to counteract too much magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for normal body activity. It helps to keep bones stronger, blood pressure under control, and the heartbeat constant.
If you suspect you have increased levels of magnesium in your body, ask a doctor or healthcare provider. The doctor may instruct you to get a blood test done. If the report confirms increased magnesium concentration in your blood, he may suggest you to:
Get intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate
Your healthcare provider can give intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate to help reverse the impacts of too much magnesium.
Dialysis
Your doctor may recommend dialysis to flush too much magnesium from the body if the condition is severe or renal function is insufficient.
Limit the consumption of magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium can be obtained from a variety of foods, particularly those with plenty of fiber.
Nuts, leafy vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are among the most prominent sources. Certain foods that are rich in magnesium are:
- wheat cereal or bread
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Peanut butter
- Soymilk
- Spinach
- Black beans
Medications recommended by the doctor for high magnesium levels
If your blood magnesium concentration is very high, your doctor may prescribe medicines. Follow your doctor’s suggestions to lower your blood magnesium levels.
Take all of your medicines as required if blood reports show higher magnesium levels. Do not take laxatives and antacids that have magnesium if your kidneys are not functioning appropriately.
Medications you may be recommended by the doctor for high magnesium levels include:
- Calcium is usually given through IV to lower the blood magnesium levels in case you have too much blood magnesium concentration.
- Hemodialysis– If you have way too much concentration of magnesium in blood and your kidney is presently failing, your healthcare provider and a nephrologist may instruct dialysis.
If you are constipated:
- Be sure to keep yourself active, and keep your bowels moving.
- Increase your daily intake of fresh fruits and fiber. Prunes and prune juice may go well for some people.
- It is important to pass stool every day. If you do not do it every day, your doctor may prescribe stool softeners and laxatives (not including magnesium if you have kidney issues) to help prevent constipation. Work with your doctor to develop a regimen that will work for you.
- Drink 2-3 liters of fluid every day, unless you were instructed to limit your fluid intake. This will reduce your risk of dehydration, which can result in constipation.
- Do not consume caffeine and alcohol, as these can result in electrolyte disruptions.
How much magnesium is too much?
The recommended dose of magnesium is:
- 65 mg/day for children ages 1-3
- 110 mg/day for children ages 4-8
- 350 mg/day for adults and children ages 9 and up
These are the highest concentrations anyone should include in their diet. Many people consume substantial amounts of magnesium from the foods they eat. It is safe to obtain too much magnesium naturally from food, but adding too many supplements to your diet can be harmful. Don’t surpass these maximum recommended levels.
What are the symptoms of too much magnesium?
Even at moderate amounts, magnesium from supplements can lead to symptoms that may include:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Hypertension
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Breathlessness
This doesn’t occur with magnesium received naturally from foods.
A bit elevated blood levels of magnesium have been linked to heart-related risks while extremely high blood levels of magnesium can induce more severe symptoms including low blood pressure and delayed breathing and can be lethal.
Although unusual, too much magnesium can occur with extreme consumption of laxatives or supplements containing magnesium and has also been seen in people consuming or gargling with considerable amounts of Epsom salt (i.e., magnesium sulfate).
Magnesium supplements can be harmful to individuals with kidney problems and should only be taken with a doctor’s supervision.
What causes magnesium overdose?
Your body naturally discharges extra magnesium when the kidneys are performing appropriately. A magnesium overdose typically happens when magnesium is consumed in enormous quantities through supplements. It is absolutely rare to encounter very high levels of magnesium by ingesting foods that have naturally occurring magnesium in them.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have provided an answer to the question, “How to counteract too much magnesium?”. We have also elaborated on the symptoms and causes of too much magnesium.
