The First Symptom of Magnesium Deficiency
March 18, 2024Magnesium is often overlooked in medical assessments due to the difficulty of accurately determining magnesium levels through blood tests. A significant portion of the body's magnesium is stored in bones (60%), muscles (20%), and soft tissues (19%), with only a minor amount (1%) present in the blood.
This distribution complicates the detection of magnesium deficiency via blood tests, as bone and tissue stores can mask a deficiency until it becomes severe.
Signs & Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
This chart is an overview of how a magnesium deficiency impacts different aspects of human health. It highlights symptoms and potential consequences.
Factors that can lead to magnesium depletion:
• Consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.• Liver conditions like cirrhosis; agricultural practices that deplete magnesium from the soil.
• Malabsorption issues.
• The use of certain medications; and various diseases associated with low magnesium levels.
Good dietary sources of magnesium include green, leafy vegetables due to their chlorophyll content (a good indicator of magnesium content).
Bad dietary sources include foods like grains, which contain anti-nutrients that can hinder magnesium absorption. Also, cooking methods like boiling can leach magnesium from foods.
The most common signs of magnesium deficiency include anxiety and insomnia to muscle cramps and cardiovascular issues. Magnesium participates in the function of over 350 enzymes in the body, thus affecting a multitude of physiological processes. Along with Vitamin D, Magnesium tends to be a very common deficiency.
The first sign of magnesium deficiency is neuromuscular hyperexcitability like involuntary twitching of muscles, such as under the eye or on the arm.
This symptom is attributed to the role of magnesium in nerve function and muscle contraction, where its deficiency leads to an imbalance in calcium influx and efflux in cells, causing the observed twitching.
How to Combat Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is a common issue that can lead to a variety of health concerns, including fatigue, muscle cramps, irritability, and poor sleep quality. This essential mineral plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions, from energy production and muscle function to nerve transmission and bone health. To effectively combat magnesium deficiency, it’s important to incorporate both dietary sources and high-quality supplements into your routine.
BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough is a full spectrum formula that contains 7 forms of magnesium that help transforms sleep, stress, and performance.
Unlike many magnesium supplements that contain only one type, Magnesium Breakthrough provides a comprehensive blend that targets different areas of the body, ensuring you receive the benefits of this essential mineral in the most effective way possible.
To maximize your magnesium intake, consider incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet. However, given the modern dietary challenges many face, supplementing with BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough can help bridge the gap and ensure you meet your daily magnesium requirements.
Next: The Role of Magnesium Deficiency in Ageing and Disease
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