Dorothy FarrarMagnesium deficiency
The term magnesium deficiency is a synonym for an undersupply of magnesium in the human organism. A magnesium deficiency exists when laboratory diagnostics determine that the concentration of magnesium in the blood is too low. The causes of magnesium deficiency are very diverse. Typical symptoms of this mineral deficiency are muscle cramps and muscle twitching.
What is magnesium deficiency?
Magnesium deficiency is understood to mean a too low concentration of the vital trace element magnesium in the body. The term magnesium deficiency is used for better understanding in everyday language. The term hypomagnesiumasia is technically precise.
Magnesium is a substance required by the human organism to ensure the normal functioning of all vital metabolic processes.
If the body has stored too little magnesium, various complaints occur: muscle cramps, tiredness , irritability , headaches , confusion , tachycardia and circulatory disorders are just examples of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
causes
A magnesium deficiency can occur for a variety of reasons. In principle, the vital proportion of magnesium can be covered by the concentrations of magnesium contained in food.If a magnesium deficiency is determined, this indicates that the organism is not being supplied with enough magnesium through the diet. In addition, varying health, anatomical or physiological disorders can prevent a sufficient absorption of magnesium in the body’s metabolism.
Disturbances in the absorption capacity of the intestine or an excessive release of magnesium, which is important for the body, come into question. The kidneys and skin can be responsible for the excessive export of magnesium.
In particular, a one-sided diet or a diet characterized by malnutrition or a reduction in food intake can lead to a magnesium deficiency . At the same time, the cause of a magnesium deficiency can be an intensive strain on the organism due to increased performance through sporting activities, permanent stress or an increased need for magnesium due to pregnancy . Genetic predispositions can also result in a magnesium deficiency.
symptoms and course
A prolonged magnesium deficiency can lead to typical impairments of physical processes. These can be quite different, because a magnesium deficiency affects numerous metabolic processes. A typical and equally frequent symptom of magnesium deficiency is muscle cramps, especially of the calf muscles (calf cramps ).
Muscle twitches in the face, mouth or eyelids are also typical . At the same time, the stress tolerance and resilience can decrease in those affected. Increased tiredness, exhaustion and poor concentration can also occur. Most women can also develop menstrual problems, such as premenstrual syndrome.
Diagnose
The doctor usually diagnoses a magnesium deficiency based on the symptoms and the medical history. If the symptoms subside when magnesium is taken, the diagnosis is confirmed. A blood test is also possible. However, the result is only of limited significance: even if the magnesium level in the blood is normal, the body’s stores may be empty and there may be a magnesium deficiency.
A stress test provides more accurate results. Magnesium is administered intravenously to the patient. During the day you measure how much magnesium is excreted. If the body retains too much magnesium, its magnesium stores are probably empty and need to be replenished. However, this test is very time-consuming and is therefore only rarely carried out.
treatment and therapy
In addition to a preventive administration of magnesium through food or dietary supplements and medication, a cause research by the specialist is necessary. In this regard, the so-called magnesium deficiency syndrome requires appropriate therapy.
The therapy for magnesium deficiency is called self-therapy. If a shift in the acid-base balance in the organism is determined in connection with a magnesium deficiency, then this balance must first be restored by treating the hyperacidity.
If the magnesium deficiency was diagnosed due to an existing disease, then an organ-related therapy must be carried out.
The Schuessler salts are considered to be enormously effective as food supplements, which, in addition to the magnesium-containing effervescent tablets or other non-drug preparations, compensate for the magnesium deficiency.
prevention
The prevention of magnesium deficiency is based on an adequate intake through food and the fastest possible clarification of the symptoms that lead to the magnesium deficiency. Certain groups of people, such as alcoholics or anorexic patients , require an increased supply of magnesium.
The composition of the menu is a key measure in this regard. Foods that are high in magnesium should be included in the diet. Various beverages, which are known under the name of healing water, contain large amounts of the vital magnesium already in ionic form.These drinks have a preventive effect against magnesium deficiency if about 0.75 to 2 liters are drunk daily. The minimum intake, referred to as the daily drinking amount, should not fall below these amounts. To prevent magnesium deficiency, we recommend water with a concentration of around 300 mg magnesium spread over a day.
If you don’t have the time for a healthy and balanced diet , then the market has a number of inexpensive and at the same time highly concentrated substitutes or dietary supplements ready.
Magnesium supplements are available over the counter as powder, tablets or capsules without a prescription. Internet mail-order pharmacies now also offer these products from various manufacturers.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.