Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Magnesium deficiency is a health problem that can negatively affect many body functions. Magnesium plays a key role in many biological processes, so its deficiency may lead to various ailments. In this article, we will discuss the importance of magnesium, causes of deficiency, symptoms of hypomagnesemia, and supplementation and treatment methods.
Magnesium deficiency – what role does magnesium play in the body?
Magnesium is a microelement necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It plays many important roles, including:
- It supports the functioning of the heart and circulatory system by regulating heart rhythm.
- It participates in the process of muscle contraction, which is important for both skeletal muscles and the heart muscle.
- It affects the proper functioning of the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and nervous tension.
- It regulates blood sugar levels and supports the metabolism of carbohydrates.
- It takes part in the process of protein synthesis, which is important for tissue regeneration and cell growth.
Magnesium deficiency – causes of reduced magnesium levels
Magnesium deficiency may have various causes. One of the most common reasons is an improper diet, low in products rich in this element. Other risk factors include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to loss of magnesium through the kidneys.
- Chronic stress, which increases the body’s need for magnesium.
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes, neurosis and gastrointestinal diseases, which may interfere with the absorption of magnesium.
- The use of certain medications, e.g. diuretics, which increase the excretion of magnesium from the body.
Magnesium deficiency – symptoms
Magnesium deficiency can manifest itself in a variety of ailments, including:
- Muscle and muscle cramps.
- Weakness, fatigue and apathy.
- Cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Sleep disorders and insomnia.
- Contractions of the tricepid muscles and eyelid twitching.
Magnesium deficiency – foods rich in magnesium
To prevent magnesium deficiency, it is worth introducing products rich in this element into your diet. Here are some of them:
- Pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
- Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts.
- Avocado fruit.
- Leafy vegetables such as spinach and chard.
- Dark chocolate.
- Whole grain cereal products.
Magnesium deficiency – absorption of magnesium in the digestive tract
The absorption of magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract may be hindered by certain factors. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to several aspects:
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which affects the excretion of magnesium.
- Provide adequate amounts of vitamin D, which helps absorb magnesium.
- Limit your caffeine intake, which may increase magnesium excretion.
- Regularly consume foods rich in magnesium.
Magnesium deficiency – supplementation and treatment
In case of confirmed magnesium deficiency, your doctor may recommend supplementing this microelement. Various forms of magnesium are available, such as organic or chelated magnesium. It is best to consult the dose and form of the supplement with a doctor or nutrition specialist.
Your suggestions
If you have any suggestions on the topic of magnesium deficiency or would like to share your experiences in the fight against hypomagnesemia, please leave a comment below the article. Thanks to this, we can collectively educate other readers on this topic.
Recommended articles
We invite you to read our other articles on healthy eating, supplementation and caring for the body’s mineral balance. You will find a lot of valuable information about health and fitness here.
Magnesium deficiency is a problem that may affect our daily functioning. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to your diet, avoiding excessive stress and regularly checking the level of magnesium in the body. If symptoms of deficiency appear, do not hesitate to consult a doctor who will help us choose appropriate supplementation and treatment.