Low magnesium levels can cause physical symptoms like aches and pains, jaw pain, and tension headaches, as well as mental symptoms like anxiety and irritability. Other symptoms include heart palpitations, changes in behavior, and unusual cravings. It’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that works closely with calcium and other nutrients to maintain good physical and mental well-being. When magnesium levels in the body are low, a number of different symptoms can manifest. Here are examples of some of the more common magnesium deficiency symptoms that can appear.
As for the physical symptoms of magnesium deficiency, there is a good chance that someone with inadequate magnesium levels will experience a wide range of aches and pains. Leg cramps are often present, along with a feeling of stiffness in the neck. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can also include jaw pain that seems to have no reason. Tension headaches may become more frequent. In some people, a tight feeling in the chest will be a symptom of magnesium deficiency, although this particular sign can come and go.
When there is a lack of magnesium in the body, the central nervous system is usually compromised in some way. This is especially true if calcium levels are also low, since the two minerals tend to work hand in hand. Common symptoms of calcium and magnesium deficiency can include the development of anxiety and panic attacks, higher levels of irritability, and a marked increase in restless behavior. Over time, the person suffering from this level of deficiency may also begin to experience agoraphobia and insomnia. Accompanying these magnesium deficiency symptoms, the peripheral nervous system may be affected, causing the individual to experience numbness and tingling in the extremities.
The heart is another of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Without adequate magnesium levels within the body, an individual may begin to experience palpitations or angina. The heart rhythm itself can become irregular as well as beating at a faster rate from time to time. In some cases, it is impossible for a person to tell the difference between the symptoms caused by a magnesium deficiency and those of a mild heart attack.
There are also random symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as a change in behavior. People who are normally relaxed and confident can become high-strung, easily angered, and somewhat pessimistic in their outlook. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency also include an unusual craving for salt or chocolate. Women may experience breast tenderness, as well as changes in the menstrual cycle. Both sexes may find themselves more apathetic in general, especially when anxiety and panic attacks are present.
It is important to note that all magnesium deficiency symptoms can also be symptoms of many other conditions. For this reason, no one should assume that he or she has this type of deficiency before seeing a doctor. Doctors can perform simple tests to determine if magnesium levels are low and also provide guidelines on how to increase levels within a normal range.
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