Magnesium Deficiency: Signs&Symptoms + Possible Conditions - a podcast by Discussions with successful health experts such as Ben Greenfield, Terry Wa

from 2022-01-04T09:00

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Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body; in fact, it is the fourth most abundant.  This mineral is an essential cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that are involved in diverse biochemical reactions. These reactions impact a number of body processes, including:

  • Cellular energy production and storage
  • Protein synthesis
  • DNA synthesis
  • Bone metabolism
  • Cardiac function
  • Nerve signal transmission
  • Blood pressure
  • The conduction of signals between muscles and nerves
  • Stabilization of cells

However, less than 2% of Americans have been estimated to experience magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia. The bad part is that it’s difficult to know you have a deficiency as symptoms don’t become obvious until your magnesium level becomes extremely low.

According to the National Institute of Health, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for people between age 19 and 30 years old is:

  • 400mg for males
  • 310mg for females

For people aged 31 and above, the RDA is:

  • 420 for males
  • 320 for females

In teenagers aged between 14 and 18 years old, the requirements are higher. However, younger children require less magnesium than adults and teenagers.

Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing hypomagnesemia, including:

  • Losing an excessive amount of magnesium through sweat and urine
  • Continually eating a low-magnesium diet
  • Having gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or regional enteritis.
  • Being hospitalized
  • Being pregnant or lactating
  • Being older
  • Having type 2 diabetes

Signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency

Some of the early signs of magnesium deficiency include:

  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite

 

 

With time, this deficiency may lead to:

  • Lower potassium levels in the blood (a condition called hypokalemia
  • Lower calcium levels in the blood (a condition called hypokalemia)
  • Cramps and muscle contraction
  • Numbness and tingling in the extremities
  • Abnormal heart rhythms
  • Seizures
  • Coronary spasms
  • Personality changes

Prolonged magnesium deficiency can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.  In some cases, severe hypomagnesemia can lead to seizures and sudden death.

If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should see your doctor for tests to establish the cause.

Causes of low magnesium in the body

Low magnesium or magnesium deficiency results from increased excretion of magnesium in the urine or decreased absorption of magnesium in the gut.

Magnesium levels are largely controlled by the kidneys. This organ decreases or increases the excretion of magnesium based on your body’s needs.

The excessive loss of magnesium, continual low dietary intake of magnesium, or presence of other chronic conditions can give rise to hypomagnesemia.

However, if you develop magnesium deficiency due to an underlying condition, proper treatment and management will help improve your magnesium levels.

So if you notice any of the signs and symptoms listed above, you should see your doctor for proper examination.

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC, to learn more about natural ways to boost your magnesium intake to avoid developing magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia.

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