Estimates suggest that 90 percent of Americans in the United States are magnesium deficient making it the single largest health problem in the world today. Magnesium deficiency is more common than what most people suspect, which is why these 6 warning signs can help indicate a lack of this important mineral.
Magnesium is responsible for over 200 biochemical reactions in the body. Adequate magnesium levels are important for the brain, muscle and cardiac functions along with impacting blood pressure, immune function and metabolism.
1. Calcification of arteries
Low magnesium levels may cause the calcification of arteries, which can eventually lead to coronary problems such as heart diseases or heart attacks, according to Wellness Mama. In fact, more than half of heart attack patients are given magnesium chloride injections to help stop the calcification and blood clotting.
2. Hypertension/High blood pressure
Perhaps one of the most well-researched areas in magnesium deficiency, the risk of hypertension was 70 percent lower in women with high and adequate magnesium levels according to a study by the University of Minnesota. In addition, over 700,000 people had the healthiest blood pressure numbers due to their high magnesium intakes according to a Harvard University study.
3. Muscle spasms and cramps
A lack of sufficient magnesium can lead to facial tics, muscle cramping, cramping of the feet during sleep or muscle twitching. Because magnesium is used for optimum muscle function, the body would result in a state of convulsion because magnesium helps muscles relax.
4. Hear loss or ringing in the ears
Hearing loss or a constant high-pitched ringing in the ears have led to plenty of studies observing the relationship between sufficient magnesium levels and ear health. In a study by Mayo Clinic, treating patients who were suffering from hearing loss with magnesium supplementation helped restore the loss within three months.
5. Abnormal heart function
Magnesium deficiency may affect muscles throughout the body, which may also include muscles located in the heart, according to Natural News. Lack of magnesium may cause a condition known as cardiac arrhythmia, which causes the heart to beat irregularly. Consequently, this can cause greater complications such as strokes or heart attacks.
6. Anxiety and depression
Doctors have used magnesium to treat many mental health disorders in the past. In a study conducted at a psychiatric hospital located in Croatia, many patients who have attempted suicide were found to have low levels of magnesium. Fortunately, magnesium does not have many side effects compared to traditional antidepressants and medications.