How to Lower Calcium in Blood

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High blood calcium levels, or hypercalcemia, can lead to serious complications, including bone, kidney, brain, and heart issues. If your level is high, your provider may ask you to avoid antacids and supplements that contain calcium, limit calcium-rich foods in your diet, and drink more water. Typically, high calcium levels are related to overactive parathyroid glands. Fortunately, most people successfully manage hypercalcemia and parathyroid issues with lifestyle changes, medication, and, in some cases, surgery.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making Beneficial Lifestyle Changes

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  1. Step 1 Avoid taking supplements and antacids that contain calcium.
    If your blood calcium levels are high, your doctor will likely instruct you to limit the amount of calcium you consume. The first step is to stop taking any supplements, antacids, or other over-the-counter products that contain calcium.[2]
    • If you take a daily multivitamin, ask your doctor to recommend one that doesn’t contain calcium.[3]
    • Look for antacids that have magnesium instead, and ask your healthcare provider what medicines and herbs are safe for you to take.[4]
    • If you have an upset stomach, take a medication that doesn’t contain calcium, such as bismuth subsalicylate (better known as brand names like Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate). Just be sure to check the ingredients, as some bismuth subsalicylate products contain added calcium.[5]
    • Check prescription medications you’re taking as well. Studies show that thiazide diuretics for blood pressure could increase your calcium levels.[6] Lithium carbonate therapy may also increase your calcium levels.[7]

    Warning: Even if you’re in perfect health, taking too many calcium supplements or antacids can cause serious medical issues. Always use any supplement or medication as directed.[8]

  2. Step 2 Drink at least 2 to 2.5 litres (8.5 to 10.6  c) of fluids per day to prevent kidney stones.
    Most kidney stones form from built-up calcium in your body.[9] Drinking 2 to 2.5 litres (8.5 to 10.6  c) of water and other fluids can reduce your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, but follow your healthcare provider’s specific advice.[10]
    • Check your urine to make sure you’re staying hydrated. It should be light yellow to clear in color. If it’s dark yellow, you need to drink more fluids.[11]
    • Do not wait to drink until you’re thirsty, as thirst indicates that you’re already in the first stages of dehydration.[12]
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  3. Step 3 Eat fewer calcium-rich foods if your doctor advises.
    You may need to limit calcium in your diet or avoid it altogether, at least in the short term. Dairy products are rich in calcium so, with your doctor’s guidance, limit or avoid items such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.[13]
    • Your doctor may recommend limiting your calcium intake to less than 1,000 mg per day.[14]
    • Other sources of calcium include leafy greens, calcium-fortified cereals, and non-dairy milks.[15] For most people, calcium is an important part of a healthy diet, so check with your doctor before making dietary changes.[16]
  4. Step 4 Exercise...
    Exercise for 30 minutes a day or as much as possible. Sometimes, hypercalcemia is caused by being bedridden or immobilized for a prolonged period of time.[17] If you’re able to, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. Good ways to keep active include walking briskly, climbing stairs, and bike riding.[18]
    • Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine if you’re not used to physical activity or have a chronic or unstable medical condition.[19]
    • If you have a medical issue that restricts your mobility, ask your healthcare provider for tips about staying active despite your condition.[20]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Identifying the Underlying Cause

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  1. Step 1 Tell your doctor about your diet, family history, and symptoms.
    Hypercalcemia, or higher-than-normal calcium levels, are usually diagnosed through routine blood tests.[21] If your test results are abnormal, talk to your doctor about your diet and any supplements or medications you take. Let them know if you’ve experienced any unusual symptoms and if anyone in your family has a history of hypercalcemia, parathyroid issues, kidney stones, or cancer.[22]

    Symptoms of Hypercalcemia: While most people don’t experience symptoms, signs of hypercalcemia include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle weakness, bone pain, fragile bones, fatigue, and confusion.[23]

  2. Step 2 Ask your doctor for calcium blood and urine tests.
    Calcium levels are typically tested during a routine blood test called a basic metabolic panel. If your initial test results were abnormal, your doctor may order another calcium blood test, as well as a urine test, to confirm the results.[24]
    • Since it’s related to calcium absorption, your doctor may also order a vitamin D blood test.[25]
    • These tests are non-invasive, so there’s no need to be nervous. They’re no different than the blood and urine tests you’d receive at a routine check-up.
    Robert Thompson
    Robert Thompson, Endocrinologist

    For chronic hypercalcemia, addressing the root cause is essential yet complex, often requiring repeat testing and trial-and-error with medications. Quick fixes like aggressive IV fluids can help acute spikes but worsen long-term calcium metabolism. Have patience, stick to the game plan, and communicate openly with your care team. With diligence to find the perfect treatment regimen, even stubborn high calcium levels can normalize.

  3. Step 3 Get a parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test.
    If your calcium levels are high, your doctor may order a PTH test to check your parathyroid function.[26] The test simply involves taking a blood sample and, usually, there’s no need to fast or otherwise prepare in advance.[27]
    • The parathyroid glands are tiny, located in the neck, and help regulate vitamin and mineral levels in the blood. About 90% of chronic hypercalcemia cases are caused by hyperparathyroidism, or overactive parathyroid glands.[28]
  4. Step 4 Undergo imaging tests as recommended by your doctor.
    If your PTH count is high, your doctor may order a specialized imaging test to see if any of the 4 parathyroid glands are enlarged.[29] Alternatively, if your PTH count is normal or low, they may order tests to look for certain cancers, such as lung and breast cancer.[30]
    • About 2% of all cancers are related to high calcium levels, so try not to worry.[31] If your levels are high, you're likely able to manage the condition with lifestyle changes, routine check-ups, and medication.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Managing High Calcium with Medical Treatment

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  1. Step 1 Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe, acute symptoms.
    Excessively high calcium levels can hurt the kidneys, brain, and heart.[32] Treatment for acute hypercalcemia typically includes IV (intravenous) fluids and diuretics, which are medications that increase urination.[33] You may also need dialysis if elevated calcium in your blood has caused kidney failure.[34]
    • Hypercalcemia may be caused by an underlying medical condition or by consuming too many calcium supplements or antacids.[35]
    • Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, poor balance, and confusion. These symptoms can be associated with a variety of medical issues, so see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.[36]
  2. Step 2 See your doctor for routine check-ups if your condition is mild.
    For many people, managing chronic hypercalcemia involves making lifestyle changes and monitoring blood calcium levels. If your levels are only slightly elevated and you don’t experience symptoms, your doctor will probably just recommend regular blood work.[37]
    • Your doctor will let you know how often you need to get your calcium levels tested.[38]
  3. Step 3 Take a prescription medication that controls calcium levels as directed.
    For moderate or severe hypercalcemia, you may need to take short or long-term medication. The right medication depends on your specific symptoms and condition. Be sure to take any medication exactly as prescribed.[39]
    • To manage calcium levels and prevent bone loss, your doctor may prescribe calcitonin.[40] Spray in 1 nostril daily, and alternate spraying it in your left and right nostrils. Side effects may include nausea, runny nose, and nosebleeds.[41]
    • If your PTH count is high, your doctor may prescribe a calcimimetic, such as cinacalcet.[42] It's typically taken with food once a day around the same time every day. Side effects may include upset stomach, dizziness, and weakness.[43]
    • If you have hypercalcemia related to cancer, your specialist may prescribe a bisphosphonate. These medications are available as tablets or monthly IV drips. Side effects may include nausea, heartburn, and flu-like symptoms.[44]
    • Your doctor may also use IV fluids for hydration and volume expansion.[45]
  4. Step 4 Switch your diuretic or blood pressure medicines, if necessary.
    If you take a thiazide diuretic or blood pressure medication, your doctor will switch you to a non-thiazide alternative. Other medications, such as lithium, can also lead to hypercalcemia, so tell your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you take.[46]

    Warning: Don’t stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting your prescriber.

  5. Step 5 Treat serious symptoms related to hyperparathyroidism with surgery.
    Usually, only 1 of the 4 parathyroid glands is affected, and the operation is typically minimally invasive. While you may stay overnight, many patients are able to go home the same day of surgery.[47]
    • You’ll have a sore throat for a few days and should stick to liquid and semi-solid foods. Most patients take prescription pain medication for 2 to 3 days after the operation.[48]
    • Depending on the extent of surgery, you should be able to resume normal activities in less than a week.[49]
    • You’ll usually be recommended surgery if you have calcium higher than the upper normal limit greater than 1 mg/dl, osteoporosis, vertebral fracture, chronic kidney disease, high urinary calcium, kidney stones, or if you’re over 50 years old.[50]
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List of Foods to Eat and Avoid and Meal Plan to Help Lower Calcium in Blood

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Warnings

  • Always use any over-the-counter or prescription medication as directed. Never take more calcium antacids or supplements than the instruction label recommends.
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References

  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000044.htm
  5. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=d04e42bf-2748-f12b-e053-2a95a90a35e5&type=display
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532918/
  7. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3083797/
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2014540/
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755
  1. ↑ https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/urology/FluidIntakeGuidelines.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones
  3. ↑ https://www.bcm.edu/news/thirsty-you-are-already-dehydrated
  4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000044.htm
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56058/
  6. ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/nutrition/calcium-shopping-list
  7. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002412.htm
  8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
  10. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/do-you-need-to-see-a-doctor-before-starting-your-exercise-program
  11. ↑ https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/how-to-exercise-with-limited-mobility/
  12. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/hypercalcemia
  13. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia#symptoms-and-causes
  14. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000365.htm
  15. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  16. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  17. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  18. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003690.htm
  19. ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/endocrine-center/high-calcium
  20. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  21. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/parathyroid-hormone-pth-test/
  22. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  23. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypercalcemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355523
  24. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  25. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/hypercalcemia
  26. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  27. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  28. ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/
  29. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22021-calcium-blood-test
  30. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  31. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430714/
  32. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601031.html
  33. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430714/
  34. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605004.html
  35. ↑ https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/blood-calcium/managing-high-calcium
  36. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  37. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
  38. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001215.htm
  39. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/surgery/parathyroid-surgery/what-to-expect-at-penn
  40. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/surgery/parathyroid-surgery/what-to-expect-at-penn
  41. ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/ask-the-doctors-when-does-a-person-need-parathyroid-surgery
  42. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000044.htm
  43. ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/#h8
  44. ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco

About This Article

Erik Kramer, DO, MPH
Co-authored by:
Erik Kramer, DO, MPH
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
This article was co-authored by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. This article has been viewed 135,059 times.
8 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: August 16, 2024
Views: 135,059
Categories: Calcium | Blood Health

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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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