Hidden Health Risk: Magnesium Deficiency Often Overlooked

Health experts warn that magnesium deficiency, a condition many people ignore, may be more common than expected. Magnesium is essential for muscle movement, nerve function, and energy production, yet its deficiency often goes undetected due to mild or confusing symptoms.

What Causes Magnesium Deficiency?

Doctors say several factors can lead to magnesium deficiency:

• Poor diet – Processed foods lack essential minerals, including magnesium.
• Digestive disorders – Conditions like Crohn’s disease and chronic diarrhea reduce absorption.
• Excess alcohol intake – Alcohol increases magnesium loss in the body.
• Medications – Certain diuretics, antibiotics, and acid-reducing drugs interfere with magnesium levels.

Common but Overlooked Symptoms

Magnesium deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, often mistaken for other issues:

• Fatigue and weakness – Chronic tiredness despite rest.
• Muscle cramps and twitches – Frequent spasms or tremors.
• Digestive problems – Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Heart rhythm issues – Irregular or abnormal heartbeats.
• Mood changes – Anxiety, irritability, and even depression.
• Nerve-related symptoms – Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

How to Prevent and Treat It

Experts suggest increasing intake of magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and fatty fish. Reducing alcohol and caffeine and managing stress through meditation or yoga can also help maintain magnesium levels.

With potential links to heart health, energy levels, and mood regulation, doctors urge people to watch for symptoms and prioritize magnesium in their diet to prevent serious health complications.