seeking help

[byhisgrace]

Have Had Controlled Seizures All My Life Until I Hit 35. On Keppra Now And Things Are Not Controled And The Side Affects Are Terrible. Thinking It May Be Magnesium Deficiency. All Of The Extreme Indications Of Deficiency Are Present In M Life. I Want Us Magnesium Correctly And In Balance With Other Nutrients. Anyone Have Any Help Out There?

[Bernard]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Have you tried seeing a doctor to get some blood (or hair) testing done to analyze your magnesium (and other mineral) levels?

If it were me, I'd just go get a supplement and start taking the minimum dose and see what happens.

[byhisgrace]

In The Past 48 Hours I Have Tested The Mag Theory And Have Had Results Already. After Taking 400mg Early Evening, Tingling And Tremors Stopped And I Have Slept Better Last 2 Nights. Seem A Little Calmer. Is It True That Keppra Can Deplete Potassium Levels? I Know That The Body Needs Potassium For The Uptake Of The Mag.

[morgan381]

I take a calcium/magnesium/potassium suppliment that comes in powder form, which is then mixed with water (or juice) and fizzes. It doesn't taste bad and really seems to help me relax when I'm stressed. (In the vitamin shop that I used to work in, this product was highly successful for people who had been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome and did not want to take prescription meds. Magnesium is known to relax muscles (be careful b/c too much will cause diarrhea), the postssium will also help with muscle cramps and/or spasms. Potassium is also important in kidney function. (just FYI: your body needs mag & vit D in order to absorb calcium)

[RobinN]

Eat a good organic banana every day... there is your potassium.

I have been told NOT to take calcium with magnesium. It was mentioned that they should be separated, and if you are getting calcium in other foods that you could actually throw out the balance of the magnesium. It is thought that we need more magnesium that is recommended.

My daughter who is 115 lbs, takes 1000 mg daily without calcium.
This is not set in stone... as there are days that we know we need to back off of that amount. Yet she is not taking any medication, and this was agreed as a protocol from her neurologist.

Magnesium - Cure for Epilepsy?

[BuckeyeFan]

I have been on keppra for almost 5 years with no potassium problems. I agree that bananas are a great source.

As with all supplements, ramping up from minimal levels is probably a good idea. You may eventually end up at a higher level, but don't shock your body with sudden changes.

Also - please see your doctor. It may be a combination of multiple issues that need addressed. A caring doctor will help you find the levels you need.

[Bernard]

Avacados are an even better source of potassium than bananas. Guacamole

[alivenwell]

Bernard, I absolutely love avocados! I found out that if you just peel off the outside skin and remove the 1" diameter seed, that it's really easy to eat the rest of it. In my house, it never makes it to become guacamole. Avocados are rich and healthy!

[forward2007]

Avacados are an even better source of potassium than bananas. Guacamole

My Nutrition book from college lists the top 10 Potassium sources as:

1) Peach Halves, 10 dried
2) Lima Beans, 1 c cooked
3) Winter Squash, 1 c baked
4) Pear Halves, 1 c dried
5) Potato 1 microwaved with skin
6) Pinto Beans, 1 c cooked
7) Baked Potato, 1 whole
8 ) Spinach, 1 c cooked
9) Cantaloupe, 1/2
10) Kidney Beans, 1 c canned

[brain]

BHG!

Welcome to CWE and I can see much of your questions
have been answered! Feel free to explore and browse
around in these forums and make yourself a home and
learn much and meet lots of new folks!