Magnesium is an important mineral for the human body. It is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including helping to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supporting a healthy immune system, keeping heart rhythm steady, and building strong bones .
A magnesium deficiency can cause a number of health problems. The signs and symptoms of low magnesium include:
Calcification of the arteries. Unfortunately, this is one of the first symptoms to appear, as well as one of the most serious
Calcification of the arteries is a condition in which calcium deposits build up in the walls of the arteries. This can lead to a narrowing of the arteries, which can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The exact cause of calcification of the arteries is not known, but it is thought to be related to inflammation. Calcium is normally present in blood, but when there is inflammation, calcium may be deposited in tissues instead of being circulated through the body. This can lead to a buildup of calcium in the artery walls.
Symptoms of calcification of the arteries may include: chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat. If left untreated, calcification of the arteries can progress and lead to more serious problems such as heart attack or stroke. Treatment for calcification of the arteries typically involves the use of medications that help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove blockages from the arteries caused by calcium deposits.
Muscle Spasming & Cramping
When about muscle spasming and cramping, low magnesium levels may be to blame. Magnesium is a mineral that’s essential for muscle and nerve function. It also plays a role in energy production, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. A lack of magnesium can lead to muscle spasms, cramps, twitching, and weakness.
Some people are more at risk for low magnesium than others. Those with gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may have trouble absorbing the mineral from food. People with diabetes or kidney problems are also at risk for low magnesium levels. Taking certain medications can also deplete magnesium stores in the body. These include diuretics, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Symptoms of low magnesium can range from mild to severe. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. But if your magnesium levels are severely depleted, you may experience muscle weakness, spasms, cramps, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. If you think you might have low magnesium levels, it’s important to see your doctor so they can run some tests. Treatment involves taking supplements or getting intravenous (IV) infusions of the mineral.
Most people get enough magnesium from their diet. Good food sources include leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, and dairy products. You can also find supplements containing magnesium at most pharmacies or health food stores. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 310-420 mg per day depending on age and gender. If you think you might be deficient in this important mineral, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Low levels can be easily treated with dietary changes or supplements.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are two very common mental health disorders that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. While there are many different factors that can contribute to these conditions, low magnesium levels have been linked to both anxiety and depression.
Magnesium is a vital mineral for our bodies and plays an important role in many different bodily functions. Unfortunately, many people do not get enough magnesium through their diet and this can lead to deficiency. Low magnesium levels have been associated with a number of different health problems, including anxiety and depression.
There are a number of different signs and symptoms that may be indicative of low magnesium levels. If you are experiencing any of the following, it is important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible:
Anxiety or Panic Attacks
One of the most common signs of low magnesium levels is anxiety or panic attacks. If you find yourself suddenly feeling anxious or panicked for no apparent reason, it could be due to a lack of magnesium in your body. This is especially true if you experience regular panic attacks or if your anxiety is so severe that it interferes with your daily life.
Hormone Imbalances
If you’re experience any of the following 8 signs, it could be a sign that your hormones are out of balance:
1. Unexplained fatigue or exhaustion
Do you often find yourself feeling tired for no reason? This could be a sign that your hormones are out of balance. Fatigue is a common symptom of many hormonal conditions, such as adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. If you’re struggling with unexplained fatigue, it’s important to talk to your doctor to see if hormone testing is warranted.
2. Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? This could be another sign that something is off with your hormones. Insomnia is common in women who are going through menopause due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. It can also be a symptom of other hormonal conditions such as hyperthyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. If sleepless nights are becoming the norm for you, it’s worth talking to your doctor about possible hormone imbalances.
Pregnancy Discomfort
Pregnancy is a time of great change for a woman’s body. As her baby grows, so do her physical and emotional needs. Though pregnancy is a beautiful time, it can also be a challenging one. Many women experience discomfort during pregnancy, and some even suffer from low magnesium levels.
Low magnesium can cause a variety of symptoms, including: fatigue, muscle cramps or spasms, anxiety or irritability, difficulty sleeping, headaches or migraines, constipation or diarrhea (depending on which way your level is low), irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. If you are pregnant and experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor to rule out other possibilities and determine if low magnesium might be the cause.
There are several ways to increase your magnesium levels during pregnancy. You can take supplements (be sure to check with your doctor first), eat foods rich in magnesium (such as dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds), or soak in an Epsom salt bath (which provides both magnesium sulfate and relief from aches and pains). If you think you might be deficient in magnesium, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options – taking care of yourself during pregnancy is vital for the health of both you and your baby!
Low Energy
- Feeling fatigue or weak
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Feeling irritable or anxious
- Muscle cramps or spasms, especially in the legs
- Headaches or migraines
- Irregular heartbeat
- Constipation
- Insomnia
Bone Health
Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis, fracture, and other problems associated with poor bone health. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve bone density in people with osteoporosis and may help to prevent fractures.
There are a variety of foods that are rich in magnesium, including leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish. In addition, many people take magnesium supplements in order to ensure adequate intake of this important mineral.