Magnesium deficiency can be difficult to diagnose as it does not show up in routine blood tests. Only 1% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the blood, so most doctors and laboratories don’t include magnesium status in their tests. This lack of attention to magnesium deficiency leads to misdiagnosis and millions of Americans suffering unnecessarily or being treated with expensive drugs when they could be cured with magnesium supplementation.
Magnesium plays a crucial role in the body, regulating calcium, potassium, and sodium, and is essential for the proper functioning of hundreds of enzyme systems. A deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including muscle twitches, fatigue, numbness, tingling, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and even hallucinations.
Magnesium deficiency is often overlooked by doctors, and even when they do test for it, many standard oral supplements are not easily absorbed. Children with autism spectrum disorders are particularly vulnerable to magnesium deficiency due to poor absorption, the stripped-down nature of many modern diets, and the fact that many processed foods are lacking in real nutrition.
Magnesium deficiency is also associated with diabetes and heart disease, with studies showing that those who consume more magnesium are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, many pharmaceutical drugs can drive down magnesium levels, and surgery performed without increasing magnesium levels can be dangerous.
Overall, magnesium deficiency is a significant health concern that is often ignored by the medical community, leading to unnecessary suffering and harm. Dr. Norman Shealy, a prominent figure in the field of holistic medicine, has stated that magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient. Despite this, allopathic medicine has largely overlooked the importance of magnesium, creating a significant gap in patient care.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can be subtle at first, with leg cramps, foot pain, and muscle twitches being common early signs. As the deficiency worsens, symptoms can include loss of appetite, fatigue, numbness, tingling, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and personality changes.
While magnesium deficiency can be difficult to diagnose, there are ways to recognize the signs of magnesium thirst or hunger. These include physical and mental fatigue, headaches, tension in the upper back, shoulders, and neck, and PMS and hormonal imbalances. People with magnesium deficiency may also crave salt and carbohydrates, especially chocolate, and experience breast tenderness.
To prevent magnesium deficiency, it is important to consume foods rich in magnesium, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Additionally, supplementing with magnesium can be beneficial, though it is important to choose a form that is easily absorbed by the body.
Magnesium deficiency is a significant health concern that is often overlooked by the medical community. It is essential to recognize the signs of magnesium deficiency and take steps to prevent it, such as consuming magnesium-rich foods and supplementing as needed. By addressing this gap in patient care, we can improve the health and well-being of millions of people.