Do you take diuretics?

If you do, an excess can cause MAGNESIUM and POTASSIUM deficiency

Diuretics are commonly taken to treat fluid retention. They are prescribed for people with kidney or heart disorders and are also used to treat high blood pressure.

However, this can cause loss of magnesium , potassium and other elements, which can actually cause blood pressure. See Body language sign 'do you have blood pressure?'

What do diuretics do?

They make someone urinate more frequently, flushing water and salts out of their body.

Potassium is an essential element with a wide range of biochemical and physiological roles. Among other things, it is important in the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, the production of energy, the synthesis of nucleic acids, the maintenance of intracellular tonicity and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. 

In 1928, it was first suggested that high potassium intake could have an anti-hypertensive effect. Accumulating evidence suggests that diets high in potassium may be protective not only against hypertension, but also strokes and cardiovascular disease and possibly other degenerative diseases, as well.

Magnesium

Bone health is supported by many factors, most notably calcium, magnesium, boron and vitamin D. There is evidence that magnesium deficiency is even more important in reducing postmenopausal osteoporosis than calcium. This may be due to the fact that magnesium deficiency alters calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate calcium. 

Several human studies have suggested that magnesium supplementation may improve bone mineral density. In a study of older adults, a greater magnesium intake maintained bone mineral density to a greater degree than a lower magnesium intake. Diets that provide recommended levels of magnesium are beneficial for bone health, but further investigation on the role of magnesium in bone metabolism and osteoporosis is needed.

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