Magnesium is one of the most significant minerals which play a role in the working of over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body. Some of these are metabolism of food, the blending of fatty acids and proteins, and the hauling of nerve impulses. Therefore, it is mandatory to be aware of about how to correct magnesium deficiency. Some miraculous benefits of magnesium are as follows
- It facilitates bone formation and prevents osteoporosis by making the absorption of calcium easier.
- Magnesium controls the carbohydrate and glucose metabolism, which has an impact on the risk of diabetes.
- Ensures the good health of muscles, including the heart, and for the transmission of electrical signals in the body.
- The macromineral relieves the stress levels within the body.
And the list goes on. Before we go through the measures about how to correct magnesium deficiency, let’s be aware of the side effects of magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium Levels
Magnesium ions are the intracellular cations. To ensure swift neuromuscular activity, humans need the normal content of extracellular calcium and magnesium. Intracellular magnesium is an important cofactor for various kinds of enzymes, transporters, and nucleic acids that are fundamental for normal cellular function, replication, and energy metabolism.
- The reference range must be 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL (0.85 to 1.10 mmol/L)
- A magnesium level below 1.25 mg/dL is considered very severe hypomagnesemia
- Hyper magnesium or the high magnesium content is 2.6 mg/dL or above
Magnesium Deficiency Side Effects
Hypomagnesemia or the inadequate magnesium levels can cause various kinds of predicaments. These glitches must not be overlooked and, should be treated as soon as possible, or it may lead to certain problems like
- Twitches, tremors, and muscle cramps are the most prevalent problems among the people facing magnesium deficiency. In worst case scenarios, deficiency may even cause seizures or convulsions.
- Mental problems are among the riskiest problems of magnesium deficiency. Some of these are apathy, which is constituted by mental numbness or paucity of emotion. It may even lead to delirium and coma if the deficiency is worse.
- Calcification of arteries caused due to low magnesium levels can lead to coronary problems like heart attack and heart disease.
- Magnesium is necessary for Vitamin D to facilitate calcium absorption. Also, it is required to stimulate the hormone calcitonin which retrieves calcium out of the muscles and soft tissues and into the bones. The excessive lack of magnesium may even cause osteoporosis.
- Many vitamins and minerals work symbiotically and magnesium is a workhorse on this list. It is necessary for proper utilization of calcium, potassium, Vitamin K, Vitamin D and many other nutrients.
How To Correct Magnesium Deficiency
Measuring magnesium levels in erythrocytes, urine, and saliva, or ionized concentrations in the blood, serums, and plasma, are certain tests that can help you ascertain magnesium content. Some of the ways to correct magnesium deficiency are as follows
- Including food items rich in magnesium is the most effective way of curing magnesium deficiency. Some of these are:
- Pumpkin or Squash Seeds (317mg per quarter cup)
- Brazil Nuts (133mg per quarter cup)
- Salmon (92mg per 2.5k ounce fillet)
- Dry Roasted Almonds (80mg in 1 ounce)
- Spinach (83mg per half cup, cooked)
- Black Eyed Peas (80mg per half cup)
- Swiss chard (80mg per half cup, cooked)
- Tempeh (77mg per half cup)
- Dry roasted Cashews (74mg in 1 ounce)
- Oil Roasted Peanuts (63mg per quarter cup)
- Quinoa (63mg per half cup)
- Black Beans (60mg per half cup)
- Edamame (52mg per half cup)
- Avocado (44-55mg per 1 cup, cubed)
- Baked Potato with skin (43mg per 3.5-ounce potato)
- Brown Rice (42mg per half cup)
- Plain, Low-fat Yogurt (42mg per 8 ounces)
- Instant Oatmeal (36mg per packet)
- Kidney Beans (35mg per half cup)
- Medium Banana (32mg)
- Certain magnesium supplements like Magnesium Chelate, Magnesium Chloride Oil, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Threonate and Magnesium Glycinate too can help cure magnesium deficiency.
- Epsom salt baths can help you absorb magnesium through your skin. These are magnesium sulfate salts that help flip-flop the magnesium deficiency. Also, magnesium oil can work best for the same.
- Consumption of other vitamins like calcium, vitamin D3, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and Selenium. These vitamins are equally necessary for the absorption of magnesium in your body.
- Activities like overheating the food, excessive consumption of alcohol, cheap table salt, refined items, caffeinated coffee, and tap water can diminish the absorption of magnesium within the body.
- Stress in inevitable for some. It’s aright! But, excessive stress can lower the magnesium levels in the body. Try physical activities like sports and yoga to keep the stress level in control.
The situation too is very harmful and can cause chronic kidney diseases and malnourishment. It is really important for us to regulate the levels of magnesium in our body. Higher magnesium still can be cured with certain medical treatment but curing magnesium deficiency takes time. Therefore one must be aware of how to correct magnesium deficiency.
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