Magnesium deficiency could be the most prevalent mineral deficiency out there. Do you know that almost 9 out of 10 people out there are suffering from it?
The impact of this deficiency can be judged from the fact that it is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body. It plays a key role in the body’s metabolism, the control of blood pressure, the immune system, and many other health functions.
Causes Behind Magnesium Deficiency
So why is magnesium deficiency so much prevalent? When plants grow in low soil conditions, they lack sufficient amount of magnesium. This further causes deficiency of the mineral in the cattle feeding on such plants.
At the same time when water is treated with chlorine and fluoride, these chemicals react and combine with the mineral, reducing its accessibility to your body.
Even the food you eat every day, especially sugar and coffee (caffeine), cause depletion of the mineral in the body.
Importance of Magnesium for Bone
When it comes to bone health, calcium is the first mineral that comes to mind. But most of us don’t know that magnesium is equally important. The impact of magnesium deficiency is as adverse on your bones as calcium deficiency.
It is, in fact, magnesium that is required by Vitamin D for triggering the absorption of calcium by the body. It is essential to take more of this mineral when you are supplying your body with this vitamin. Otherwise, its level in the body can fall further due to the intake of the vitamin.
Problems of the Muscles
Another effect of the deficiency of the mineral is that it can lead to stiff muscles which can further cause muscle spasms and cramps. Potassium is considered helpful for this but magnesium is much more effective and fast in resolving this issue.
Problems of the Arteries
Other symptoms of magnesium deficiency may not be as serious as this one. It can cause calcification of the arteries in advanced cases, leading to coronary issues such as heart disease and even heart attack.
This is why almost 50% of patients who have had heart attack take magnesium chloride to prevent this calcification and clotting of the blood.
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Causing Neuron Destruction & Depression
Magnesium deficiency also affects the nervous system. The mineral is required for connecting neurons, as it sits on the synapse along with other minerals like glutamate and calcium. These minerals work together for activating the NMDA receptor, but magnesium goes further and plays the role of protecting this receptor from outside.
Any deficiency of this mineral could mean that the receptors are left without any protection. This leaves the neurons vulnerable to different types of damages, leading to their death. When this happens in the brain, it is important to understand that this type of cell destruction is irreversible.
High Blood Pressure
Do you know that taking sufficient amount of magnesium can help you in maintaining healthy blood pressure? This has been proven in a research conducted in the University of Harvard. There are many other studies that prove that supplementing magnesium can help in reducing blood pressure.
Another study conducted at the University of Minnesota proved that women who took sufficient amount of magnesium reduced their chances of high blood pressure by as much as 70 percent.
Hormone Imbalance
Magnesium deficiency has also been found to cause hormonal imbalances. Research shows that inadequate level of the mineral in the body causes increased levels of hormones like progesterone/estrogen in females. Women who are pregnant often suffer from leg cramps because of this reason. Similarly, those in their advanced menstrual cycle also suffer from this problem because of increased hormone levels.
If you love to much down tons and tons of chocolate, there could be a good reason behind that. Chocolate is rich in magnesium, and your cravings for it could mean that you are suffering from the mineral’s deficiency.
If you often suffer from cramps and have poor PMS, make sure to supplement your diet with magnesium before your cycles.
Problems with Pregnancy
Because magnesium deficiency can interfere with hormonal balance, it can also cause problems related to pregnancy and your mood. Doctors regularly use the mineral to help with blood pressure and muscle cramps associated with pregnancy. The mineral not only helps in relieving headaches, it also helps prevent preterm labor.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorder is another effect of magnesium deficiency. The mineral is required for relaxing your mind and body. If there is a deficiency in the body, you will not be able to get a relaxing sleep.
It is essential for ensuring that the GABA receptors work effectively in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for taking the brain into the state of rest.
Lack of Energy
The mineral also plays a role in the production of ATP energy within the cells. It is one of the chemicals needed for completing the related reactions in the cell. Any deficiency means a significant drop in energy levels in the cells, which could lead to fatigue, shortage or loss of desire, and several other issues.
Other Deficiencies
As already mentioned, Vitamin D cannot work properly without magnesium. Similarly, there are many other vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K, potassium, calcium and much more that cannot work effectively without this mineral. Magnesium is responsible for ensuring that other nutrients are absorbed in the required amount.
How to Fight Magnesium Deficiency?
The answer to magnesium deficiency is to supplement your diet in the form of pills and other products. Although they can help in replenishing the mineral in the body, they can cause other side effects such as too much strain on the kidneys and digestive system.
Topical Application
You can apply the mineral on your skin because it is readily absorbed by the body. It will directly reach your bloodstream and tissues. This way it will not have to pass through the kidneys.
Besides, there are many foods that can replenish your body with the required amount of magnesium. This includes chard, spinach, almonds, Cleveland Clinic, avocado, bananas, black beans, dark chocolate, and figs.
Via Bullet Proof