The benefits of magnesium are many, and it is considered an important mineral for the body. It plays a major role in the health of bones, muscles, and the heart, while magnesium deficiency can cause multiple health problems, and consuming it adequately can protect against many diseases.

In this articleWe will discuss the importance of magnesium, its causes, symptoms of deficiency and excess, and how to maintain its levels in the body.

Know magnesium 

Among the benefits of magnesium is that it is an important mineral for building bones and the source of their strength in the body. It is known as one of the essential minerals in the human body, and its healthy source is usually from foods rich in fiber that contain a high percentage of magnesium, including: legumes, whole grains, broccoli, squash, green leafy vegetables, and nuts, especially almonds.

Causes of magnesium deficiency

• Eating an unhealthy diet periodically, which can lead to a lack of magnesium in the blood.
• Due to digestive system diseases that may appear in magnesium deficiency.
• Taking some medications for a long time without follow-up and examination by the treating physician. 
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Smoking can lead to magnesium deficiency.
• Some diuretics can lead to magnesium deficiency due to increased excretion in the urine.

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Symptoms of magnesium deficiency

It is considered dangerous to not be aware of a magnesium deficiency in the body, so as soon as you are exposed to any of these symptoms mentioned, you must do a blood test in order to be reassured and protect yourself from an increase in symptoms, which are sometimes severe. Here are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency::  

Common symptoms

• It causes constant fatigue and exhaustion.
• Suddenly, it causes muscle spasms and tremors.
• Continuous increase in anxiety and tension.
• Sleep disorders and insomnia.
• Causing muscle pain and inflammation.

Symptoms of severe magnesium deficiency

• It can cause heart disturbances and palpitations.
• Seizures occur.
• Cause of depression and mood disorders.

Symptoms of high magnesium

• Frequent diarrhea.
• Stomach upset, including vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
• Weakness of the body muscles.
• Frequent difficulty breathing.
• Irregular and slow heartbeat.
• Decreased or damaged kidneys' ability to remove excess magnesium.

Discover the benefits of magnesium

• Improves bone health and helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.
• Supports muscle health and reduces muscle spasms.
• Stimulates calcium absorption.
• Boosts energy and reduces fatigue and exhaustion.
• Helps support nervous system health and reduce anxiety and stress.
• Raises testosterone level.
• An important element in sperm formation.
• It is involved in the formation of the hormone estrogen.

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Types of magnesium medications in pharmacies

There are several types of magnesium medications available in pharmacies, each with specific properties and benefits. Here are some common types:

• Magnesium citrate:

It is considered one of the best types of magnesium in pharmacies, as it is characterized by good absorption and a mild laxative effect.

• Magnesium glycinate:

It has good absorption and does not cause diarrhea. It is suitable for improving sleep, reducing anxiety and stress, and calming nerves and muscles.

• Magnesium malate:

It is used to improve muscle pain, and to produce and support energy.

• Magnesium chloride:

It is sometimes used as an intravenous infusion in hospitals, and it can also be used topically to relieve muscle spasms.

• Magnesium taurate:

Combines the benefits of magnesium and taurine, making it ideal for cardiovascular health.

• Magnesium oxide:

It is often used to treat constipation and improve digestive health, due to its high magnesium content.

• Magnesium lactate:

It is considered gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for people who suffer from digestive problems.

• Magnesium sulfate:

It is used by dissolving it in water to relieve unusual muscle pain.

advice!

Doctors at Al Mousa Hospital should be consulted before taking any nutritional supplements to determine the appropriate type and dosage based on the individual health condition.

Best time to take magnesium

First: before sleep

• Improve sleep:

Taking magnesium before bed can help improve sleep quality and reduce restlessness.

• Soothe the muscles:

Magnesium can help soothe muscles and reduce muscle spasms.

Second: with meals

• Reduce digestive discomfort:

One of the benefits of magnesium is taking it with meals, as it helps reduce digestive discomfort.

• Improve absorption:

Taking magnesium with meals can help improve the body's absorption of it.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find out that my body needs magnesium?

Through the appearance of one or more symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as constant fatigue and exhaustion, muscle spasms, increased anxiety and tension with permanent sleep disturbances, and when these mentioned symptoms appear, you must conduct an analysis to measure magnesium levels in the blood.

Does magnesium prevent the risk of diabetes?

Yes, magnesium helps prevent type 2 diabetes. It also improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels, and this is among the many most important benefits of magnesium.

Does magnesium help with fertility?

Yes, magnesium increases fertility in men and improves sperm motility.

Is there a relationship between magnesium and weight loss?

Yes, there is a strong relationship, as magnesium reduces fluid retention and bloating, and stimulates insulin, which in turn reduces blood sugar, which leads to gradual loss of excess weight and helps in this.

In conclusion

advises Al-Mousa Hospital The public can quickly perform a blood test to examine the percentage of magnesium in the body, to avoid health complications resulting from magnesium deficiency. This examination is carried out under the supervision of specialized hospital doctors, and after the analysis is completed and the results appear, they determine the appropriate treatment for your condition, and sometimes the treatment may include modifying the diet to include foods rich in the benefits of magnesium.