Experience 35 years of experience in the field of nephrology & hypertension. Emeritus Professor of clinical Medicine at a major medical school and director of Nephrology & Hypertension at a university affiliated medical center.
Question QUESTION: I tried many hypertension meds but have to stop because of side effects. I tried
a "natural" solution - I took Hawthorne Berry and 50 mg. of Potassium in the
form of over the counter supplements. My pressure went down to normal. Do
you think these are safe to take?
ANSWER: Dear Sue,
Hawthorn berry is safe but has no effect on blood pressure despite claims to the contrary.
Potassium (K), however, in only some patients, does mildly reduce peripheral vascular resistance and thereby slightly reduces blood pressure. It can be a useful adjunct to the Rx of hypertension in them. Supplemental calcium can do the same.
If your kidney function is normal potassium and calcium are safe. The former can upset one's stomach so it is best taken with food.
Hope this is useful to you.
Sincerely,
Fr. Falkinburg
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I did get a burning sensation in my stomach the day I took the 99 mg. of
Potassium, but it hadn't happened the first two days I took it so I'm not 100
percent sure it was from the Potassium, but in case it IS from the Potassium,
would it be dangerous to continue taking it? I didn't really mind the burning,
but I don't want it to do damage to my intestines. I did take it with milk.
Thanks,
Susan
Answer Dear Susan,
You can take it with (ideally, in the middle of) your meals. That way it will be admixed with your food and it would be very unlikely that you would have any problem.
There is a preparation called "K Dur" which is a prescription potassium preparation that causes much less gastric irritation than other preparations.
