Magnesium is an essential mineral for people. Approximately 75% of Americans are not getting their daily recommended amount of magnesium, and 2% of Americans have a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium does a lot for the body. It helps to convert food into energy, create new proteins, and regulate the nervous system. A deficiency can lead to other health problems. Keep reading for the six telltale signs and symptoms of a magnesium deficiency.
1. Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Twitches, spasms, tremors, and muscle cramps are one of the most obvious signs of magnesium deficiency. In some severe cases, magnesium deficiency can cause seizures or convulsions. Medical experts believe that muscle spasms happen due to a higher flow of calcium into nerve cells, which can hyperstimulate the muscle nerves. Unfortunately, studies show that magnesium supplements don’t help to revert this side effect. Instead, individuals will need to increase their magnesium naturally through food sources.
However, muscle cramps can be a side effect of an entirely different health condition. If you’re regularly experiencing muscle spasms and cramps, consult with a doctor.
2. Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
The second most noticeable side effect for people typically is a feeling of fatigue. While everyone gets tired every once in a while, if you’re magnesium deficient, the sense of fatigue persists or feels severe.
Sometimes, this feeling of tiredness is accompanied by muscle weakness. Myasthenia is the medical term for muscle weakness. When someone is magnesium deficient, there is often a drop in potassium levels in their muscle cells. This loss of potassium causes muscle weakness. Individuals may find performing regular tasks to be exhausting.
3. Loss of Appetite
Many people with a magnesium deficiency report a loss of appetite. A loss of appetite could be a result of many different types of health conditions. So, to indicate a magnesium issue, watch out for this sign with co-occurring symptoms on this list.
4. Nausea/Vomiting
Similar to the loss of appetite, feelings of nauseousness or vomiting can indicate many possible health concerns. Watch out for nausea or vomiting when it’s paired with the other symptoms on this list.
Regardless, if nausea or vomiting isn’t a one-off instance, it’s essential to consult with a doctor. These can be serious signs that something is wrong with your health.
5. High Blood Pressure
Animal studies suggest that low levels of magnesium can contribute to high blood pressure. This is particularly concerning as high blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Luckily, magnesium supplements can help to lower blood pressure.
6. Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat (known as arrhythmia) is a serious condition. Arrhythmia can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, and fainting. For some people, lower levels of magnesium can result in an irregular heartbeat. Additionally, a magnesium deficiency can cause a potassium deficiency. A lack of potassium can also result in an irregular heartbeat.
Arrhythmia can be challenging to catch, as symptoms are often mild. However, some people experience heart palpitations (pauses between heartbeats) as a result of their irregular heartbeat.
Diagnosing and Treating Magnesium Deficiency
If you show one or more of the symptoms on this list, you should consult with a medical professional. Firstly, some symptoms on this list are treated with magnesium supplements, but not all. In some cases, diet changes are necessary. You also need to have a doctor confirm that the issue is your magnesium levels and not another health concern.
A doctor will conduct a physical exam, review your symptoms, take into account your medical history, and order a blood test. A blood test doesn’t
tell you the amount of magnesium there is stored in the bones and muscle tissue, so diagnosis is based on a multitude of facts.
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