Contents
Constant fatigue, muscle spasms and a trembling eyelid – probably everyone had the opportunity to see how magnesium deficiency affects the body. Interestingly, it is extremely easy to flush magnesium out of the body, as you can painfully find out by overusing some diuretic products. What are the first symptoms of magnesium deficiency and why shouldn’t it be worth underestimating the signals sent by the body?
- Magnesium deficiency is a common condition and in most cases it does not cause serious harm to the body, provided that the decrease in the level of this macronutrient is not significant
- The most common symptoms of a deficit include muscle cramps and tremors and a feeling of constant exhaustion
- Untreated deficiencies can lead to serious consequences, including disturbances in the work of vital organs. The signals your body is sending out should never be underestimated
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesaemia, is a very common health problem. Problems with the correct level of magnesium in the body are mainly experienced by people who are chronically ill, with diabetes or who consume alcohol excessively. In some cases, a magnesium deficiency may be underestimated, as symptoms usually do not appear until levels are severely low and the effects extremely distressing. If you have the first symptoms of magnesium deficiency, do not hesitate to do the necessary tests. If left untreated, the deficiency can lead to serious health effects.
A blood test is enough to diagnose a magnesium deficiency, and potassium and calcium levels will also be helpful.
The tests can be performed at a selected download point of the Diagnostyka network, of which there are over 500 throughout Poland. Check the offer HERE
The causes of magnesium deficiency
The causes of a magnesium deficiency are very different. Deficiencies of this ingredient may arise as a result of a poor diet, medications or certain diseases. Very often, when consuming certain products, we flush out valuable magnesium from the body. What other reasons are behind the deficiency of this mineral? Here are the most popular of them:
- malnutrition,
- certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and proton pump inhibitors
- acute or chronic diarrhea
- the so-called hungry bone syndrome following surgery to the parathyroid or thyroid gland
- bariatric surgeries,
- diabetes,
- absorption disorders,
- celiac disease,
- alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
Although there can be many reasons for a deficiency of this macronutrient, the symptoms are usually similar. The most popular and recognizable symptom of magnesium deficiency are spasms and twitching of the muscles or the eyelid. What other signals does the body send as soon as it begins to lack this important element?
1. Muscle vibrations and contractions
Vibrations, tremors and muscle spasms are the most recognizable signs of a magnesium deficiency. In the case of extreme deficiencies, seizures may even occur. According to experts, it is due to the increased flow of calcium into nerve cells, which overstimulates or hyperstimulates the muscle nerves. Interestingly, when cramps begin, most of us take supplements quickly to replenish our body’s magnesium levels. Unfortunately, it will not be an effective method for everyone. Magnesium supplements have been proven not an effective treatment for muscle spasms in the elderly.
Keep in mind that involuntary muscle twitching can have many other causes – stress, excess caffeine, side effects of certain medications, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis. If symptoms persist, always consult your doctor.
2. Mental health disorders
Health and mental disorders are another possible effect of a magnesium deficiency. One of the most common complications of magnesium deficiency is apathy. It is characterized by mental numbness or lack of emotion. Persistent decreases in magnesium levels in the body can even lead to delirium and coma. In addition, it has been proven that magnesium deficiency increases the risk of developing depression and promotes anxiety. According to the researchers, a lack of magnesium can cause nerve dysfunction and promote mental illness in some people.
If you suffer from a magnesium deficiency, fill in the deficiencies by reaching for supplements with this ingredient. At medonetmarket.pl you can buy, among others Triple Magnesium complex by Swanson.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder that mainly affects women. Characterized by lower bone density, i.e. weak bones and thus an increased risk of fractures. The risk of developing osteoporosis is influenced by many factors, including: aging and a diet low in vitamins D and K. Magnesium deficiency is also one of the factors in the development of osteoporosis. Low levels of magnesium in the body not only directly weaken bones, but also lead to a reduced level of calcium, the main building block.
To take care of the condition of the bones, it is worth taking magnesium and calcium. Dietary supplement Magnesium + Calcium 2: 1 Terranova supplements the body’s demand for these elements.
4. Fatigue and muscle weakness
Fatigue, a feeling of exhaustion and weakness are other common symptoms of magnesium deficiency. If you have had these symptoms for a long time and your fatigue doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of a health problem. However, fatigue alone is not enough to diagnose a magnesium deficiency. It is necessary to exclude other causes and perform laboratory tests. A characteristic accompanying symptom may be muscle weakness, often caused by the so-called myasthenia gravis. According to specialists, the weakness is caused by the loss of potassium in the muscle cells as a result of magnesium deficiency and disturbance of the body’s mineral balance.
If you experience any ailments that may indicate a magnesium deficiency, reach for YANGO Magnesium Lactate, which is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system.
5. High blood pressure
Scientists have looked at the deficiencies of this macronutrient and have come to surprising conclusions during various studies. Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency can increase blood pressure and be a factor in heart disease and high blood pressure. In turn, studies on magnesium supplementation have shown that magnesium supplements can lower blood pressure, especially in adults with hypertension.
6. Cardiac arrhythmias
Heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat are some of the most serious effects of a magnesium deficiency in the body. The severity of these symptoms varies greatly – from slight fluctuations to very serious arrhythmias of the heart muscle, often associated with the so-called palpitations.
Other possible symptoms of arrhythmia include:
- dizziness,
- dyspnoea,
- pain in the chest,
- fainting
- fatigue.
In the most severe cases, arrhythmia can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
How does magnesium affect the work of the heart? According to experts, the cause of arrhythmia may be an imbalance in the level of potassium inside and outside the cells of the heart muscle – this condition is caused by a deficiency of magnesium.
Supplement your body’s magnesium levels with Magnesium Potassium + B6 Shot – OstroVit lemon-lime-grape shot.
7. Asthma
The last and very surprising effect of magnesium deficiency in the body is asthma. Many people with severe disease have low levels of magnesium. Scientists believe that a lack of magnesium can cause calcium to build up in the muscles that line the airways in the lungs. This causes the airways to narrow, making it difficult to breathe. A personal magnesium sulphate inhaler proves to be helpful, as it widens the airways. However, too little is known about this relationship, and the role of magnesium deficiency in the development of asthma is not fully understood.
How to supplement magnesium?
Magnesium is a common element in both plant and animal products. Usually, introducing a healthy, well-balanced diet is sufficient. The doctor may also recommend temporary magnesium supplementation in healthy people in order to rebuild the deficiencies as soon as possible.
At Medonet Market you will find a wide selection of magnesium preparations, including:
- Magnesium chelate 100 mg with a formula for easier absorption
- 200mg magnesium citrate to improve the work of the nervous system
- Magnesium malate – a dietary supplement for the kidneys and heart
- MagneMe Day + MagneMe Night Health Labs Care – supporting the body in the Day & Night formula
The richest sources of magnesium are seeds and nuts. It is also worth introducing whole grains, beans and green leafy vegetables to your diet.
Foods rich in magnesium:
- almonds,
- pumpkin seeds,
- dark chocolate,
- peanuts,
- popcorn,
- Linseed,
- sunflower seeds,
- chia seeds,
- cocoa,
- cashew nuts,
- hazelnuts,
- oat,
- an avocado,
- legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas, peas and soybeans),
- tofu,
- oily fish (salmon, mackerel and halibut)
- bananas
- whole grain products from wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat and quinoa.