Magnesium deficiency can cause life-threatening complications and common symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain or weakness. It can also lead to heart-related complications and smooth muscle dysfunction. Treatment involves dietary changes or nutritional supplements, and severe cases may require hospitalization.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of all major organs in the body. Because of this, a magnesium deficiency has the potential to cause life-threatening complications. Some of the more common symptoms of this deficiency include anxiety, restlessness and insomnia. Headaches, fatigue, and body aches are also among the most frequently reported magnesium deficiency symptoms. Left untreated, more serious symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, or even irreversible damage to many organs in the body.
Muscle pain or weakness are often among the most commonly reported magnesium deficiency symptoms. This can lead to frequent and unexplained headaches, pain in the neck or back, or muscle ailments affecting the jaw. Some with a magnesium deficiency may experience pain or general muscle weakness. Uncontrolled muscle contractions can sometimes be traced to a deficiency of this important mineral.
The smooth muscles of the body begin to lose the ability to contract normally when there is not enough magnesium in the body. This can lead to magnesium deficiency symptoms such as constipation, painful menstrual cramps or urinary spasms. They may also develop difficulty swallowing or an increased sensitivity to light or sound.
Increased anxiety levels and panic attacks are potential symptoms of magnesium deficiency. The affected person may also appear restless or have difficulty fully concentrating on a task. Some may become confused or irritable for no apparent reason. Cravings for salt and carbohydrates are often present in those who are experiencing a magnesium deficiency. Breast tenderness unrelated to the menstrual cycle has been reported by many women suffering from magnesium deficiency.
Heart-related complications are among the most serious magnesium deficiency symptoms. This often begins with palpitations or a feeling that the heart is racing. Your heartbeat may become irregular or you may experience changes in blood pressure. The main arteries of the heart can begin to contract, leading to life-threatening complications.
A doctor should be consulted if any of the possible symptoms of magnesium deficiency are present. Simple blood tests can reveal a deficiency of this mineral, allowing the doctor and patient to work together to create an individualized treatment plan. Dietary changes or the use of over-the-counter nutritional supplements are often successful in treating this condition. If severe symptoms are present, treatment may involve a short hospital stay, where intravenous medications may be given until the patient is considered medically stable.
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