Osteoporosis and Bone Health Issues
Magnesium is involved in bone health — it aids in the absorption of calcium and in the creation of bone tissue. Osteoporosis and other fractures can be provoked, particularly in older adults, by a deficiency in the mineral.
High Blood Pressure and Hypertension
Low magnesium levels can give rise to high blood pressure, because magnesium relaxes blood vessels and stabilizes blood pressure. Increasing magnesium intake has been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure in those with hypertension.
Irregular Heartbeat and Palpitations
Magnesium is important in having a regular heartbeat. A deficiency may lead to arrhythmias, or “irregular heartbeats”, which can lead to palpitations and more serious heart problems.
Continued Nausea and Vomiting
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency such as nausea and vomiting are common as the mineral is useful in digestion. Ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms must be assessed for absence of magnesium that could represent a potential etiology.
Tingling and Numbness in Extremities
Tingling and numbness, not just of the fingers and toes, especially in the hands and feet, can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. These include pain and swelling. And that's because magnesium is crucial for nerve function; drops in magnesium can limit nerve signaling.
Lack of Quality Sleep and Insomnia
Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters in the brain involved in sleep. Too little magnesium can lead to poor sleep quality and insomnia. If you have enough magnesium, your sleep patterns can be better and you can induce a better quality of rest.
Migraines and Frequent Headaches
Magnesium deficiency has been associated with migraines and frequent headaches. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters and blood flow, so low levels can trigger headaches. Magnesium supplementation may help lower the incidence and severity of migraine headaches.
Weight Loss and Appetite Loss
Magnesium deficiency is linked to a decline in appetite and unintended weight loss. That’s because magnesium is involved in a variety of metabolic activities, and a low concentration can impair a person’s usual metabolism of hunger.
Asthma and Respiratory Problems
Lack of magnesium causes asthma symptoms to worsen and can cause respiratory problems. Magnesium relaxes bronchial muscles, and reduced concentrations can cause constriction and make breathing more difficult.
Difficulty concentrating and mental problems
Magnesium deficiency could lead to cognitive concerns like trouble concentrating and memory difficulties as well. Magnesium is essential for brain health and low levels may impair cognitive function.
Low Energy and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome and long-lasting low energy levels can be signs of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is needed for energy production. A lack of it can result in chronic tiredness.
Higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes
Magnesium is involved in the metabolism of glucose, and a lack of it can raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers have indicated that adequate magnesium intake can enhance insulin sensitivity and decrease the risk of developing diabetes.
What To Do If You Suspect Magnesium Deficiency
If you have any suspicions that you are missing magnesium this should be discussed in a medical setting, diagnosed by a healthcare professional and treatments taken accordingly. Blood tests can tell your level of magnesium, while the doctor can make recommendations on either diet or supplementation in order to fix the deficiency.
Dietary Sources of Magnesium
Magnesium is in a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes — which help provide magnesium. Including these types of food helps in increasing the amount of magnesium you consume and preventing deficiency.
When to Seek Healthcare from a Healthcare Professional
Should you experience symptoms of magnesium deficiency, it is advisable to seek help from a healthcare professional. They can help with the best diagnostic methods and treatment possibilities for making sure your magnesium is within healthy limits.
Bottom-line: Keeping Your Magnesium High
Keep a proper magnesium level to be healthy, for mental, physical and general health. Knowing the symptoms of deficiency, and finding what you need to eat or drink to make sure you get enough, can help support your body’s functions – and prevent negative health consequences associated with low magnesium levels.
