Magnesium is a vital nutrient required in the body for smooth functioning. Magnesium deficiency causes hazardous effects in various body functions adversely. Magnesium is very effective to maintain other minerals in the body like potassium, sodium and calcium, and even essential for cellular health and over 300 biochemical functions.
Almost 80% of people are deficient of magnesium in their bodies, and this has its consequences on various bodily functions.
10 WARNING SIGNS OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY
1. Muscle spasms and cramps and Bone Health Problems
Magnesium deficiency leads to stiffening in muscles causing muscle cramps and spasms. This all happens because magnesium supports in re-uptake of calcium which helps in maintaining strong muscles. Also Vitamin D requires magnesium to improve the absorption of calcium.
2. High Blood Pressure / Hypertension
Magnesium deficiency also causes high blood pressure, as magnesium act as a smooth muscle vasodilator, aids in keeping blood vessels soft and pliable. And also low levels of magnesium may result in low potassium in the body, where Potassium is one of another important nutrient for keeping your blood pressure under control.
3. Sleep Problems - Insomnia
Having difficulty falling asleep or feeling restless even after several hours of sleep, it is an indication that one is not attaining enough magnesium, it results in insomnia. Magnesium helps in proper functioning of GABA receptors in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter which makes the brain to enter a restful phase.
4. Spikes in Blood Glucose Levels
Magnesium has significant role in improving absorption of sugar and hence maintains blood glucose levels. Deficiency of Magnesium results in high blood glucose levels as magnesium plays a role in sugar metabolism. Persistent deficiency might turn to diabetes.
5. Fatigue
Weakness, fatigue and low energy could be the consequence of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is accountable mineral that provides proper generation and transport of energy in the body.
6. Migraine Headaches
As magnesium is very important mineral to keep the level of neurotransmitters in the body balanced, therefore its deficiency is prone to recurrent migraine attack headaches.
7. Anxiety and depression
Deficiency of magnesium in the body might causes anxiety, leading to panic attacks and serious headaches, making the sufferer irritable behavior and increase nervousness. Its deficiency also results in depression.
8. Loss of Appetite
Magnesium inadequacy also results in low appetite, because magnesium aids in digestion, absorption and utilization of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
9. Unpleasant Body Odor
Excessive sweating leads to unpleasant body odor, which could be due to low levels of magnesium in the body. Magnesium helps in regulating activities of sweat gland and neutralizes odor-producing chemicals. It is also effective in controlling excessive night sweating.
10. Irregular Heart Beat
Magnesium is an essential mineral required for muscle contraction, as in it is needed to sustain appropriate heart beats, and its deficiency might lead to irregular heartbeat.
HOW TO CURE MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY?
Proper diet and lifestyle plays very important part in curbing the magnesium deficiency. So here are some simple and easy means to boost magnesium intake:
- Vegetables – Dark leafy greens like raw spinach, swiss chard, and kale are rich food sources of magnesium.
- Fruits – Avocados, bananas, Avocado is highly rich source of magnesium.
- Seeds – It includes Squash seeds, pumpkin seeds, good quantity of magnesium
- Nuts – Includes almonds, cashews, pine nuts, and peanuts also contain substantial amounts of the vital mineral.
- Herbs and Spices – Thyme, Basil, coriander, Spearmint are loaded with magnesium.
- Whole Grains – Brown rice, quinoa, barley, whole oats, and wheat consists good amount of magnesium.
- Seafood food – Pollock, mackerel, turbot, and tuna provides efficient amount of magnesium.
- Green beans and lentils