Magnesium Deficiency – It’s More Common Than You Think

Did you know that a magnesium deficiency could trigger 22 medical conditions?  Magnesium is a mineral used by every organ in your body, especially your heart, muscles and kidneys.  If you suffer from unexplained fatigue, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms or even muscle spasms and eye twitches, low levels of magnesium could be to blame.

Unfortunately, a blood test does not give enough information to whether you are deficient or not.  Only one percent of magnesium in your body is distributed in your blood, making a serum magnesium blood test not very useful.

Most magnesium is stored in your bones and organs, where it is used for many biological functions.  By some estimates, up to 80 percent of Americans are not getting enough and may be deficient.  Other research shows that only 25 percent of US adults are getting the recommended daily amount of 310-320 milligrams for women and 400-420 milligrams for men.  Even consuming this amount may not be enough to ward off deficiency.

Magnesium is found on 3,751 human protein binding sites, indicating its role in human health is larger than previously thought.  It is also found in more than 300 different enzymes in your body playing a large role in detoxification.  This makes it important for preventing damage due to heavy metals, environmental chemicals and other toxins.

Magnesium is also necessary for:

-Activating muscles and nerves

-Creating energy in your body by activating adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

-Helping digest protein, carbs and fats

-Serving as a building block for RNA and DNA synthesis

-Acting as a precursor for neurotransmitters like serotonin.

Magnesium deficiencies have been shown to trigger or cause the following: anxiety and panic attacks, asthma, blood clots, bowel diseases, cystitis, depression, detoxification, diabetes, fatigue, heart disease, hypertension, hypoglycemia, insomnia, kidney disease, liver disease, migraines, musculoskeletal conditions, nerve problems, osteoporosis and tooth decay.

Early signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, headache, nausea, fatigue, and weakness.   Ongoing deficiency can lead to more serious symptoms such as: numbness and tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms and coronary spasms.

Seaweed and green leafy vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard can be excellent sources of magnesium, as are some beans, nuts and seeds, like pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and avocados.  Most foods grown today are deficient in magnesium and other minerals, so a rich diet in these may not be enough.  Organic vegetables are grown in more nutrient dense soils.  Supplementation is also helpful to ensure you are getting enough too.  Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium that tends to provide the highest levels of absorption and bioavailability and is typically considered ideal when correcting deficiencies.  Other sources include magnesium taurate, citrate, theonate, oxide, sulfate, and carbonate.  The recommended dosage is between 300-400 milligrams.  If one experiences diarrhea then reducing the amount is recommended.

Remember to only consume GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified supplements that are prescribed by your Functional Medicine Doctor.  If you have any questions, please reach out to us at YostWellnessCenter@gmail.com.  We look forward to helping you.

Please share this information as too many people suffer needlessly.

Information provided by Dr. Jason Richer of Yost Wellness Centers.

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