When researching the host of our bodies need to function properly, you might have come across scores of articles and blog posts talking about sodium, potassium, and calcium among others, but not many on magnesium. However, there are numerous positive effects magnesium has on the human body, making it absolutely vital to its healthy functioning.
What does magnesium do in the body?
To understand exactly what the deficiency of magnesium can mean for your body, you first need to know what its functions are. Magnesium plays a role in the production of energy, DNA protection, and ensuring the electrolyte balance isn’t disturbed. It also acts as a catalyst for enzymes, aids in the process of bone synthesis, and forms neurotransmitters. A shortage can lead to various symptoms ranging from neurological to musculoskeletal issues.
Which signs signal a magnesium deficiency?
Factors which lead to an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes such as diarrhoea or the use of drugs which flush out fluid from your body, termed as diuretics, will naturally lead to a loss of magnesium from the body. Alcoholics are also at risk of developing this form of deficiency.
Here are some signs and symptoms that you should definitely look out for as any of these could be pointing towards decreased magnesium levels.
- Neurologic symptoms-seizures, confusion, anxiety, depression, insomnia.
- Cardiovascular symptoms-increased heartbeat, high blood pressure.
- Musculoskeletal symptoms-cramps, spasms, and fibromyalgia.
These symptoms can vary, but if they occur together, it is like an alarm sounding, telling you to get your magnesium levels checked immediately.
How does this deficiency come about?
Diet
Nothing affects the health of your body the way your food consumption does. You need to be aware of what you’re putting in your body if you want to avoid deficiencies and other issues. Magnesium is present in all whole foods and as people alter their diets to incorporate these foods, they decrease their chances of suffering from a deficiency.
Harmful substances
All of us know that the water we use or the foods we eat aren’t as natural and pure today as they once used to be. Naturally, they cumulatively harm our bodies, one consequence of their consumption being decreased magnesium levels. This is principally due to the capacity of magnesium to bind to substances such as chlorine and fluoride (present in water), leading to it being removed from our systems instead of being absorbed.
Increased calcium
Many food items nowadays, such as milk, have calcium added to them artificially. An excess of calcium can lead to calcification, which is when too much of the mineral gets deposited in the body tissues.
Magnesium works to counter this calcification. So, naturally, if the calcium levels in your body have increased, it needs more magnesium too – if its levels don’t increase, you will suffer from a deficiency.
Increased stress levels
Any condition, mental or physical, that influences your body’s stress levels will, again, lead to an increase in magnesium demands. That’s why maintaining a sufficient diet throughout your life is absolutely necessary for your good health.
How can you counter the deficiency?
Before we discuss the many methods available for maintaining magnesium levels or countering its deficiency in the body, you should be enlightened about the use of supplements. Though useful to some extent, magnesium supplements don’t help your body as much as they should and often only end up causing gastrointestinal discomfort. There are, however, many other ways in which you can maintain its levels in the body.
Whole foods
Ranging from fruits such as apples, bananas, grapefruit, and figs to whole grains and leafy vegetables, there is no restriction when it comes to having a magnesium-rich diet. By using any of these foods, you can create a diet which is delicious and healthy, making sure your body never suffers from a magnesium shortage.
Magnesium oil
A mixture of magnesium chloride and water, applying it regularly on your skin can be a sure shot way of ensuring your magnesium levels never dip too low. The hassle of having to cook a special meal or eating something you don’t like can’t be used as excuses when using this remedy, making it ideal for most people.
Magnesium flakes and epsom salt
These are alternatives to the sources of magnesium mentioned above, which, though they might not be as effective, still get the job done.
Bathing or massaging
We should use our skin’s ability to absorb minerals such as magnesium to our benefit. You can bathe in water mixed with magnesium oil, flakes, or Epsom salt. Given you do it regularly, the magnesium levels in your body will stay within the required ranges.
Using a magnesium spray to massage your body with has a similar effect.
Ending Note
Now that you are more aware of why it is essential to maintain adequate magnesium levels in your body and how you can go about achieving that, it will hopefully encourage you to take all the necessary steps needed to stay healthy and happy. At the end of the day, nothing is more important than your well-being and peace of mind.
