Are Your Magnesium Levels Up to Par?
By Stephen R. Farris
Are you getting enough magnesium in your daily diet? Chances are you're not.
Magnesium is often an overlooked important mineral for our overall health. If low, the health issues can range from diabetes, chronic diarrhea, celiac disease, and poor absorption are just a few things that can pop up. If you consume alcohol you're at greater risk.
According to research, magnesium deficiency is rather low (about 2 percent of Americans are affected), yet the study reveals that about 75 percent are not getting enough magnesium in their diet.
Here's a few things you can check to see if you're getting enough magnesium in your daily diet. If you're experiencing some of these symptoms, then you're probably not.
Twitching Muscles and Cramping
Although muscle twitches and cramps could be caused from other health-related conditions, low magnesium levels have been associated with these.
Mental Issues
Low magnesium has been associated with certain mental health issues such as apathy, delirium, and worst case scenario, coma. Low magnesium levels could also cause anxiety, however, more research is needed to completely link the two.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is associated with weak bones. Most people that have osteoporosis tend to be susceptible to fractures even with the slightest fall. If your magnesium levels are low -- especially for lengthy periods of time -- you're at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, according to studies. Some of the risk factors have to do with your age, lack of exercise, and/or lack of Vitamin D and K in your daily diet.
Fatigue and/or Muscle Weakness
If your magnesium levels are low, then you could develop fatiguing or muscle weakness. Not all fatigue is associated with low magnesium levels. There are other health reasons that could cause fatigue. Weakening muscles are normally associated with a lack of potassium. However, the lack of potassium in muscle cells is one of the symptoms of low magnesium levels, according to scientific research.
High Blood Pressure
Although not entirely proven (more scientific research needs to be done), there is a good chance -- through animal testing and controlled human studies -- that low magnesium levels could have an affect on blood pressure. In other words, it could lead to high blood pressure.
Asthma and irregular heartbeat are a couple of other symptoms that could be a possible due to low magnesium levels. If you have questions about nutrition, check with your local chiropractor. He/she can offer tips and suggestions that could help get you on track to better health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rockford, Ill.