Magnesium is an essential mineral that is normally found in abundance in the human body. This important mineral is responsible for over 300 vital chemical reactions in the body. The average person has over 25 grams of magnesium in the body, with about half of it present in the bones. A healthy diet is one that comprises optimal amounts of all the nutrients including magnesium-rich foods, such as raw nuts, seeds, fruits, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, legumes, and soybeans.
How Does Magnesium Help?
An optimal level of magnesium is required for the maintenance of bones, proper growth and healthy nerve and muscle functioning. In addition, the mineral plays a key role in neutralizing stomach acids and aiding bowel movement through the intestines. Magnesium can regulate blood pressure and promote restful sleep. The mineral is also known to prevent strokes and arteriosclerosis while enhancing blood circulation. It can aid in vitamin D absorption and prevent many chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis, kidney stone formation, and migraine headaches. A vital amount of magnesium is necessary for the human body to utilize calcium in the cells. With so many important processes and functions dependent upon magnesium, the mineral is one of the most essential elements needed by the body.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
A diet that is low in magnesium can result in many symptoms and diseases. Several factors can be attributed to a lowered level of magnesium in the body. Consumption of excessive alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and sugar can result in low magnesium levels. In addition, consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables that have been grown in mineral-depleted soil can also cause a deficiency.
A mild magnesium deficiency might present itself with symptoms such as mood swings, muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness. Prolonged or severe deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues and conditions.
• Muscular and neurological symptoms, such as spasms and tremor
• Hypocalcemia or low serum calcium levels in the blood
• Nausea and lack of appetite
• Insulin resistance
• Kidney stones
• Personality changes
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Abnormal thyroid functioning
• Excessive retention of sodium
• Risk of heart failure
Evaluation and Course of Treatment
If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, chances are that you might be deficient. Using blood tests alone to gauge magnesium levels might be futile as the human blood contains less than one percent of the mineral. Often, symptoms are used as an indicator of low levels of magnesium. Proper diagnosis and supplementation are critical to restoring healthy levels of the mineral in the body. Sometimes, magnesium might not be absorbed effectively due to a vitamin D deficiency or any other health conditions. A combination of several treatment methods, including a balanced diet with magnesium-rich foods and an effective range of liquid magnesium supplements, can be the most suitable strategy to counter magnesium deficiency.
About The Author:
Dr.Peter’s mission is to provide a platform for “patients” to be given self-empowering options and messages for their healthcare. The healthcare practitioner is the “promise” for the future of every person they see – and the message they give holds the invitation to enhance the life, “power” and responsibility of the individual. Peter realizes this journey is unique to each individual and is as much about mindset, beliefs, and empowerment as it is about physical activities currently he is the admin at the Magnesium Guide and Advisory Board Australia.
