How fast can your potassium level (in blood) drop?

Question

I do ballet and have a friend who uses laxatives and diuretics to remain her weight for an upcoming recital.... i'm worried about her... how fast can your level become dangerous?

Answer 1

Sodium is the culprit for water retention and yes, diuretics and laxatives affect both sodium and potassium (but sodium more). In any case, she can take Potassium supplements so that her serum potassium levels don't drop.