Magnesium is not the first thing that comes to mind when you glance at essential nutrients, but it plays a very critical role in the body’s day-to-day activity. Magnesium is required for ongoing muscle and nerve function in a healthy heartbeat. When the level of magnesium falls too low, this is a condition referred to as hypomagnesemia, and this subtle imbalance can bring some deadly health results.
What is hypomagnemia?
Hypomagnemia is a pathological state of hypotensive magnesium, usually less than 1.7 mg/dL. Magnesium has so many functions in cells that even a minimal deficiency disturbs the body’s balance and can readily cause symptoms.
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Common Causes of Hypomagnesemia
Several reasons result in low levels of magnesium:
1. Inadequate Nutritional Intake
- Inadequate nutrition or eating disorders
- Alcoholism (one of the largest contributors)
2. Excess Losses
- Digestive conditions: ongoing diarrhea, vomiting, or malabsorption
- Kidney diseases: certain kidney diseases cause the body to lose magnesium
3. Medications
- Diuretics (“water pills”)
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Certain antibiotics and chemotherapy medications
4. Chronic Diseases
- Diabetes (especially if uncontrolled)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pancreatitis
Signs and Symptoms
The worst thing about hypomagnesemia is that its mild forms can never be detected. But the lower the level of magnesium gets, the symptoms may include:
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Weakness or fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Numbness or tingling (hands and feet mainly)
- Seizures in a later phase
- Confusion, irritability, or mood change
Diagnosis
Physicians use a blood test to diagnose hypomagnesemia. As magnesium interacts with other minerals such as calcium and potassium, these are also commonly tested.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies with how severe low magnesium levels are:
Mild deficiency: oral supplements of magnesium and dietary adjustments
Severe deficiency: intravenous (IV) tubes in the hospital for magnesium
Knuckling in Calves (Flexural Limb Deformity)
Foods High in Magnesium to Add to Your Diet
Eating foods rich in magnesium is a great way to maintain healthy levels naturally:
- Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds)
- Legumes (black beans, lentils)
- Whole grains
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate (yes, actually!)
Prevention Tips
- Balance your whole, natural food diet.
- Drink lots of water, especially if you have conditions like diarrhea or diabetes.
- Talk to your physician if you’re on drugs that affect magnesium.
- Consult supplements if you’re at risk (always under a doctor’s guidance).
Final Thoughts
But watch out for hypomagnesemia. Warning signs should be carefully watched since signs are immensely varied, ranging from muscular cramping to arrhythmia of the heart. Nonetheless, it can easily be treated using simple therapies such as diet adjustment and supplements when it is in its known phase.
If you find you are having spasms, an irregular heartbeat, or this strange sensation of being drained of energy, be sure to check your magnesium levels. By paying attention to these energetic mineral changes, you are helping your body recover balance.
