What Are the Signs of Low Magnesium in The Body?
You’ll find that magnesium is naturally occurring in an array of foods and readily available in supplement form. It is important to maintain the right levels of this mineral in the body to ensure it remains at its healthiest state. This is because magnesium offers the important role of assisting over 300 enzymes to carry out their responsibilities in the body, from building strong bones, regulating blood pressure, and supporting muscle and nervous system. Throughout the body you will find over half the natural magnesium in the body is stored in the bones, and the rest is found in the tissue mass throughout the body.
As you can see, magnesium is quite an important mineral to have in the body, and you may find you are able to maintain the correct levels for the body. Having said that, you’ll sometimes experience a significant lack in magnesium, and some may even suffer from a deficiency, in fact, it has been proven that over 90% of adults will lack magnesium at one point in their lives. This can sometimes feel difficult to spot, which is why we are here to answer your questions and understand what the signs of low magnesium are in the body.
What is magnesium?
- Natural occurring mineral in the body to help support body’s function
- It’s a mineral found in earth, sea, plants, and the body
- Over 60% of magnesium is stored in the bones, the rest is found in the tissue, muscles and fluids
- Maintains healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Helps keep bones strong
- Ensures the heart’s rhythm remains strong and steady
- Supports muscle and nervous system function
- Helps stimulate energy production
- Considered safe to take daily, but should avoid taking higher dosage as this can be dangerous
- Always check with your doctor before introducing any form of new supplement and vitamin into your routine to avoid unwanted, and potentially dangerous side effects
There you have a little refresher about what to expect from magnesium, now we are going to dive in to finding out how you can tell whether you’re lacking in magnesium.
What are the 10 signs of low magnesium?
There are many different signs demonstrating low levels of magnesium in the body. The following are the 10 most common signs and if you find yourself suffering from more than 6 of these, it’s best to seek the help from your GP or medical professional.
- Muscle spasms and cramping
Muscle spasms and cramping can feel very uncomfortable and sometimes very painful. There is no way you can predict you will suffer with them or even understand why you are suffering from a spasm. Having said that, it has been proven there is a strong connection between increased frequency of muscle spasms have a connection with a magnesium deficiency. If you find yourself suffering from a lot of muscle cramping, without any causes, such as exercising or dehydration, a magnesium supplement may be the answer.
- Anxiety and depression
Due to the important role magnesium plays at supporting the nervous system. Magnesium helps to regulate the production and functionality of the brain, helping to rid it of toxins. You may find that if you have an increase in feeling anxious, or showing signs of depression, this could be the result of a lack in magnesium.
- Imbalance in hormones
This is particularly noticeable for women before and after their menstrual cycle. If the body is lacking magnesium during these times, you may find your hormones are imbalanced and you experience extreme highs and lows. This is caused from the increase of estrogen levels before your period starts which can lower the magnesium in the body.
- Low energy
As I have already discussed, magnesium is crucial for assisting different enzymes in the body. The creation of energy cells being one of the most important. If you are lacking in magnesium, the body is unable to make energy, and you will be left feeling tired, suffer from low energy, and fatigue.
- Discomfort when pregnant
With the hormonal imbalance that comes with pregnancy, you will find a more significant lack of magnesium. Having said that, it is vital you consult with your midwife or doctor before taking any form of magnesium supplement.
- High blood pressure
An unexpected or unusual increase in high blood pressure is also a sign you are lacking magnesium. You’ll find once the mineral’s levels are replenished, your blood pressure will decrease.
- Lack of vitamin D absorption
Magnesium is a vital partner for vitamin D to help absorb into the bones, without magnesium, you won’t benefit from vitamin D successfully. This is why many enjoy taking these supplements together.
- Poor bone health
As well as vitamin D, magnesium also helps calcium absorb into the bones. This is important to maintain good bone health and ensure you avoid experiencing problems, such arthritis, osteoporosis, and developing kidney stones.
- Insomnia or sleep problems
Although there are many ways you can help fall asleep and have a restful night. Ultimately, the main mineral to boost relaxation and calm is magnesium. Many enjoy taking their supplements in the evening to help relax the body and mind promoting better sleep.
- Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat which can become worse when there is a lack on magnesium. To help keep the heartbeat regular and strong, magnesium can regulate the function and keep things stable.
How can I raise my magnesium levels quickly?
There are a couple of successful ways of increasing your magnesium levels quickly, here are some that are most popular, such as.
- Increasing the intake of magnesium rich foods
There are a vast number of different foods enriched in magnesium for you to consume more of such as,
- Dark chocolate
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes
- Seeds
- Tofu
- Start taking a magnesium supplement
Ensuring you double check with your GP to find the best supplement for you. You should also remain mindful of some side effects, such as upset stomach, diarrhoea, and cramps. But these are very common and clear up on their own accord quickly.
- Limit amount of caffeine and alcohol
By limiting how much alcohol and caffeine you consume, you’ll find magnesium can deliver its results and work effectively in the body.
What causes magnesium levels to drop?
Magnesium levels drop when the mineral is no longer absorbed correctly by the gut, or an increase in urination will also affect the levels, which is connected to the function of the kidneys. By maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, you’ll find there will be limited concern with your magnesium levels dropping.
There you have a little insight about the signs you have low magnesium in the body. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions on our Instagram.