If there were one mineral that could be called the “Superhero” mineral, then it would be Magnesium. Time and again, magnesium has been proven to save the day by playing a crucial role in many bodily functions such as heart, muscle, nerve, and bone health, as well as energy production. Despite its importance, many people do not consume enough magnesium, and it is virtually nonexistent in the processed and fried foods common in today’s grocery stores and restaurants. A magnesium deficiency can have significant effects on the body. We will discuss the effects of magnesium deficiency on the body, the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, and the different types of magnesium and what they are good for.
The Surprising Ways Magnesium Deficiency Can Impact Your Health
A magnesium deficiency can affect many bodily functions, and the effects can be wide-ranging. When you have a deficiency in magnesium, you will experience various symptoms, which are clues that all is not well with your body, and it is always wise to listen to your body. The symptoms of a magnesium deficiency can vary, and some people may not experience any symptoms. However, some common symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include:
Muscle Cramps And Spasms
Not having enough magnesium in your body can cause muscle cramps because it causes your electrolytes to become unbalanced. Electrolytes are like car parts that help your muscles work properly. Calcium is like the gas pedal, while magnesium is like the brake. Magnesium stops your muscles from contracting too much by blocking calcium.
Fatigue and Weakness
Magnesium is involved in the production of ATP, the main source of energy in the body. It also helps regulate the function of enzymes involved in metabolizing carbohydrates and fats for energy production. Therefore, low magnesium levels can lead to reduced energy production, resulting in fatigue and weakness.
Mood Changes
Magnesium plays several important roles in brain function. It helps regulate the transmission of signals between neurons, which is essential for learning and memory. It also plays a role in the regulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which can affect mood and behavior. Additionally, magnesium has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote better sleep. Overall, magnesium is important for maintaining healthy brain function and can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being.
Osteoporosis
Magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy bones. It is involved in the regulation of calcium and vitamin D, which are both important for bone health. Magnesium helps the body absorb and utilize calcium and is also involved in the activation of vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption. Additionally, magnesium helps stimulate the hormone calcitonin, which aids in the preservation of bone structure by drawing calcium out of the bloodstream and into the bones. Low magnesium levels have been linked to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis, making it important to consume enough magnesium for good bone health.
High Blood Pressure
Magnesium plays a role in regulating blood pressure, and a deficiency can lead to high blood pressure.
Constipation
Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating muscle contractions in the body, including those in the digestive system. It helps to relax the muscles in the intestines, allowing food to move smoothly through the digestive tract. When there is a lack of magnesium in the body, these muscles can become tense, making it more difficult for food and waste to pass through. This can result in constipation, which is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, and abdominal discomfort. Consuming enough magnesium can help keep the digestive muscles relaxed and prevent constipation.
Tingling and Numbness
Magnesium is involved in the regulation of nerve function and muscle contractions in the body. It helps to maintain the electrical charge of nerve cells and allows them to communicate effectively. When there is a lack of magnesium in the body, this can disrupt nerve function and cause tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. It can also lead to muscle weakness or cramps, as magnesium is necessary for proper muscle contraction and relaxation.
Irregular Heartbeat
Magnesium plays an important role in regulating heart function. It helps to maintain a normal heart rhythm by regulating the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. When there is a lack of magnesium in the body, this can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the heart, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Magnesium deficiency has also been associated with an increased risk of other cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
Insomnia
Magnesium plays an important role in preventing the evening elevation of stress hormones, leading to better sleep quality and a longer time being asleep.
Blood Sugar Irregularities
Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. It is involved in the production and function of insulin, the hormone that regulates glucose uptake and utilization in the body. Magnesium helps to improve insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to absorb and use glucose more effectively. It also helps to regulate enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose and plays a role in the maintenance of healthy blood vessel function. Low magnesium levels have been linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a complex process that involves the immune system and various signaling molecules in the body. Magnesium plays an important role in regulating the immune system and suppressing inflammatory responses. It helps to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other signaling molecules that promote inflammation. When there is a lack of magnesium in the body, this can impair the immune system’s ability to regulate inflammation, leading to chronic inflammation and an increased risk of inflammatory diseases. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to various chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Anxiety and Irritability
Stress is the primary cause of irritability, but magnesium can act as a stress regulator by assisting in the regulation of adrenaline and cortisol. When there is a magnesium deficiency, stress hormone levels can increase, resulting in a persistent state of agitation.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Low levels of magnesium may stimulate nerve impulse conduction and muscle contractions. There is promising research indicating that magnesium supplementation may improve Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) in individuals with magnesium deficiency
What Are The Different Types Of Magnesium?
There are several different types of magnesium, and each type has its own benefits. Let’s take a look at these types of magnesium, and what each type is good for.
- Magnesium Oxide: Magnesium oxide is commonly used as a laxative and to treat heartburn and acid indigestion.
- Magnesium Citrate: Magnesium citrate is commonly used as a laxative and to treat constipation.
- Magnesium Glycinate: Magnesium glycinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium and is commonly used to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. It is also very effective in heart function.
- Magnesium Malate: Magnesium malate is commonly used to improve energy levels and reduce muscle pain and fatigue.
- Magnesium Threonate: Magnesium threonate is a form of magnesium that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is commonly used to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety.
To Sum It Up
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. Magnesium deficiency can have significant effects on the body, including muscle cramps and spasms, fatigue and weakness, mood changes, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. There are several different types of magnesium, and each type has its own benefits. If you suspect that you may be deficient in magnesium, make an appointment with Dr. Basedow, who can recommend the best form of magnesium for your needs.
Your Health is Important to Us
If you’re looking for a trusted Family Doctor to help you with your wellness needs, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Basedow at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center. He and his team are dedicated to providing personalized care that helps you achieve optimal health.
Located at 1000 Ashland Drive, Suite 303, Ashland, KY 41101, Dr. Basedow at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center offers services to patients residing in and around Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Ironville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Cannonsburg, Union, Huntington, Westmoreland, Proctorville, East Pea Ridge, and Barboursville.