Best Ways to Treat Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is the mineral that your body needs to maintain the health of your bones, nerves, muscles, and blood sugars. A severe deficiency of this mineral can lead to muscle spasms, arrhythmias (Abnormal heart rhythms), and cardiac arrest. In order to avoid these complications, let’s dive into the theory of magnesium deficiency and what steps you can take to counter it:

Magnesium is a mineral that helps us maintain healthy muscles, bones, blood sugar levels, and nerves. A deficiency of Magnesium can lead to consequences from weakness to cardiac arrests. And still, this mineral is the least talked about component in our diets. 

According to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 2005–2006, a majority of the population in the US is not getting enough magnesium in their diet. 

There are several factors that contribute to the deficiency of minerals. Let’s look at them:

Factors contributing to Mineral Deficiency: 

1. Not having enough magnesium in your diet 

2. Drinking too much alcohol 

3. Genetic disorders resulting in loss of Magnesium through urine and sweat 

4. Being pregnant and lactating 

5. Suffering from parathyroid disorders and hyperaldosteronism

6. Having gastrointestinal disorders

7. Old-age

8. Having Type-2 diabetes 

9. Taking antibiotics and medications such as diuretics or medicines for reflux 

10. long term vomiting and diarrhoea

It is important to note that, Magnesium is vital for younger people or children. The deficiency of this mineral may prevent bone growth. So, when the bones are still developing, make sure that your child is getting enough magnesium to help them build stronger bones. 

Now, let’s figure out if you have Magnesium deficiency by diving into the symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency: 

Early symptoms of Magnesium deficiency are: 

1. Nausea and Vomiting 

2. Loss of appetite 

3. Constant tiredness and fatigue

4. Weakness 

It is vital to keep magnesium levels in check because progression in magnesium deficiency can lead to:

1. Muscle Spasms and Tremors 

2. Abnormal heart rhythms 

3. Coronary Spasms

4. hypocalcemia (Low calcium levels in blood)

5. hypokalemia (Low potassium levels in the blood)

6. Muscle contractions and cramps 

7. Seizures 

Prolonged Magnesium deficiency can have adverse effects on chronic diseases such as:

1. Diseases related to heart 

2. Hypertension 

3. Type 2 Diabetes 

4. Osteoporosis

More than half of the US population does not meet the US RDA for dietary intake of magnesium. This needs to be countered. In order to do that, you must regularly get a body health check including getting the magnesium levels diagnosed. How is Magnesium deficiency diagnosed though, let’s see:

Checking the accurate levels of magnesium in a person’s body is still a difficult task in the medical sector. However, generally, the deficiency is diagnosed with a blood test and/or a urine test. Your doctor may ask you for these tests to check magnesium deficiency and abnormal calcium and potassium levels. 

Now, let’s see what is the Recommended Dietary Allowances for Magnesium as suggested by doctors:

According to the National Institutes of Health, for people age between 19 and 30, RDA for magnesium should be 310mg for females

and 400mg for males. For people aged more than 31 years, RDA for magnesium should be 320mg for females and 420mg for males. 

Now finally let’s look at the best ways to treat magnesium deficiency:

Have a balanced diet rich in Magnesium. Include food items such as

Besides, you can also take Magnesium supplements from a variety of formulations such as:

However, you should avoid the high dose of Magnesium supplements since it can cause Magnesium poisoning. Magnesium poisoning is when you exceed the amount of magnesium intake more than what it should be. Excessive magnesium can cause diarrhea, cramping, and nausea. 

While taking care of all the other nutrients including vitamins and minerals in your diet, do not forget Magnesium. It’s important for your bones, nerves, blood sugar, and nerves.