Magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia is a disease commonly neglected for the quality of its symptoms, easily confused with other conditions.
Although not many people are diagnosed with hypomagnesemia, the reality is that the vast majority of people do not meet the recommended intake values for this mineral.
This deficiency is related to serious diseases such as diabetes, chronic diarrhea, nutrient absorption problems, celiac disease, or hungry bone syndrome. Therefore, it is important to be aware of magnesium deficiency if you have the following symptoms.
5 indicators that you could have hypomagnesemia
1. Muscle cramps and spasms
This symptom should not be taken lightly. Spasms or cramps can be caused by many conditions such as stress, excess caffeine and of course, magnesium deficiency. Scientists argue that they are the response of nerve cells when there is a high flow of calcium, which over-excites and hyperstimulates them.
It is necessary to see a doctor if these symptoms persist, since a magnesium deficiency can lead to more serious symptoms such as seizures , for example.
2. Mental disorders
As strange as it sounds, magnesium deficiency can affect your brain . Among the disorders recorded is apathy or lack of emotion towards situations, objects or individuals.
Very low levels of magnesium can lead to delusions , increase the risk of falling into a coma or entering a state of depression. Magnesium supplements could improve an individual’s condition in these situations, but it is not known for sure if it is the solution to magnesium deficiency.
3. Osteoporosis
Factors such as age, lack of physical activity, reduced intake of vitamins D and K, and even menopause can be the cause of osteoporosis. Hypomagnesemia is no exception: this deficiency directly affects the bones in addition to reducing the levels of calcium in the blood, which is responsible for keeping them strong and resistant to fracture.
Human studies have not been done on the relationship of magnesium intake with bone density , but poor magnesium intake has been associated with problems in this important body structure.
4. Fatigue and muscle weakness
Hypomagnesemia is directly related to physical or mental fatigue and constant weakness. Indeed, it is more than common to feel fatigued throughout the day, but be aware of the persistent and uninterrupted feeling of fatigue.
Since it is not a specific condition, fatigue must be accompanied by other symptoms to determine if hypomagnesemia is suffered, and muscle weakness is the symptom most related to magnesium deficiency . This condition is caused by the loss of potassium in muscle cells, according to scientists.
5. High blood pressure
One of the most serious factors for heart disease is high blood pressure. Magnesium deficiency increases these values, but apparently, blood pressure can be lowered with constant intake of magnesium supplements.
Conclution
Hypomagnesemia or magnesium deficiency is a poorly understood and attacked condition. Its symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases or conditions. In this way, it silently alters and affects the health of the individual.
It is important to take the necessary measures and see a doctor if you are being affected by most of these symptoms. Don’t waste time and go to a professional to avoid major problems in the future.
References
- Atli Arnarson. 7 Signs and Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency. For Healthline [Revised December 2017].