What Causes Low Magnesium? (aka Magnesium Deficiency)

Are you tired of those relentless muscle cramps and constant fatigue that coffee can't shake? You might be facing a silent adversary: magnesium deficiency. 

But what causes low magnesium levels that leave us feeling drained and out of sync? In this blog, we'll dive into the hidden culprits behind magnesium deficiency and the daily habits that might rob you of this essential mineral. 

If you're ready to combat those nagging health issues and understand magnesium's crucial role, you're in the right place. Let's tackle this together!

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol use, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption disorders, certain medications, and inadequate dietary intake can cause low magnesium levels.
• Symptoms of low magnesium include muscle twitches and cramps, fatigue and weakness, irregular heartbeat, mental health conditions, and osteoporosis.
• Diagnosing low magnesium levels involves blood and urine tests to measure the amount of magnesium in the body. Imaging studies may also be ordered if necessary.
• Treatment options for low magnesium levels include magnesium supplementation, dietary changes to incorporate more magnesium-rich foods, managing underlying health conditions contributing to deficiency, and regular check-ups to monitor levels.

What is magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency is when your body runs low on magnesium, a critical mineral. It's essential for solid bones, a steady heart, and giving you energy. 

But sometimes, our magnesium levels don't measure up. It's a prevalent problem that can have grave consequences for your health and well-being. 

What Causes Low Magnesium Levels?

Various factors, such as alcohol use, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption disorders, certain medications, and inadequate dietary intake, cause low magnesium levels and can lead to symptoms of hypomagnesemia.

Alcohol use lowers magnesium levels

Drinking too much alcohol can cause low magnesium levels. This is because the central part of alcohol, ethanol, acts like a drain for magnesium in your body. (1)

It pulls out this vital mineral, which you lose when you use the bathroom.

Over time, heavy drinking makes it hard for your body to keep enough magnesium inside. This often happens to people who drink a lot over many years. 

Cutting down on alcohol may help keep your magnesium level steady.

Chronic diarrhea & its impact

Chronic diarrhea doesn't just dehydrate you; it strips away vital minerals, including magnesium. This can lead to a dip in your level of magnesium. (2)

If you're dealing with ongoing diarrhea due to health issues, keeping an eye on your magnesium is crucial. 

Remember, tracking your bowel movements can be a crucial indicator of your overall health.

Malabsorption disorders

Your body may not get enough magnesium due to malabsorption disorders. Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease are types of conditions that can lead to symptoms of magnesium deficiency. They cause your body's system to absorb nutrients from your food poorly, affecting your potassium and calcium levels. (3)

So, even if you eat food with lots of magnesium, your body might not take it in well. 

This can make your magnesium levels drop quickly. Many people with these health issues have low amounts of magnesium.

Medications that affect magnesium levels

Did you know some medications can reduce your magnesium levels? When used for extended periods, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are linked to decreased magnesium. (4)

Even antibiotics, like Ciprofloxacin, can dip your magnesium levels. If you're on any of these medications, discussing them with your doctor and ensuring your magnesium stays in check is wise.

Poor diet

When you don't get enough magnesium from your foods, your body can deplete this vital mineral.

This can lead to a chronic low magnesium state, especially if your diet consistently lacks magnesium-rich foods. 

Inadequate dietary intake is particularly concerning for individuals with specific health conditions contributing to magnesium depletion and can lead to serious symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

To address this issue, you must increase your dietary intake of magnesium-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, and legumes. 

Symptoms & Effects of Low Magnesium Levels

A dip in magnesium levels doesn't just go unnoticed. It can manifest in diverse ways, from muscle twitches and cramps to fatigue. 

You might even experience an irregular heartbeat, mental health challenges, or the onset of osteoporosis. 

Let's delve deeper into these symptoms and understand the ripple effects of low magnesium. 

Muscle twitches & cramps

When your body doesn't have enough magnesium, it can affect how your muscles move and function. 

Low magnesium levels frequently affect these muscle movements.

Severe magnesium deficiency can even lead to muscle twitching, including those annoying eyelid twitches we sometimes get. 

This happens because a lack of magnesium lowers the electrical threshold in our muscles, causing them to spasm and cramp.

If you're experiencing frequent muscle twitches or cramps, it could be a sign that your body lacks this vital mineral.

Fatigue & weakness

Are you feeling tired and weak? Low magnesium levels might be the culprit.

Fatigue and weakness are common signs of insufficient magnesium in your body. You may find it harder to do everyday activities, and even simple tasks can exhaust you.

Plus, low magnesium can make your muscles feel weaker than usual. Addressing this issue is essential because a magnesium deficiency can worsen signs and symptoms of magnesium if left untreated.

Don't let fatigue hold you back—take care of your magnesium levels for better energy and strength!

Irregular heartbeat

Low magnesium levels can have a severe impact on your heart health. One of the significant effects is an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia. 

If you don't get enough magnesium, it can mess up the electrical signals that keep your heartbeat steady, affecting potassium levels as well.

This can lead to a fast or slow heartbeat, skipped beats, or other abnormal rhythms. It's crucial to address magnesium deficiency promptly to prevent potential complications with your heart.

Ensuring you have enough magnesium helps maintain a steady and healthy heartbeat.

Mental health conditions

Depression is commonly associated with low magnesium levels. Severe magnesium deficiency can lead to symptoms like apathy and lack of emotion, indicating a low level of magnesium.

In extreme cases, it may even cause delirium or coma, which are serious symptoms of hypomagnesemia. 

So, if you're experiencing mental health conditions, it's worth considering whether low magnesium might be a factor.

Taking magnesium supplements or eating more foods high in magnesium could make a difference in how you feel mentally and emotionally.

Osteoporosis

Chronic low magnesium levels increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women, due to imbalances with calcium.

Studies have found lower serum magnesium concentrations are typical in individuals with osteoporosis. This suggests that maintaining adequate levels is vital for bone health. (5)

If you have osteoporosis or are at risk, choosing the best magnesium supplement is crucial to supporting your bone strength and overall well-being.

Diagnosis & Testing for Magnesium Deficiency

Detecting a magnesium deficiency requires a thorough approach. Here's a streamlined breakdown of how doctors diagnose this condition:

Blood Tests

• Measures magnesium levels in your blood.
• It can be complemented with an "EXA Test" to diagnose more accurately by checking magnesium in cells.

Urine Tests

• Determines the magnesium content in your urine.
• Provides insights into your magnesium status and if dietary changes or potassium supplementation are needed.
• Often paired with blood tests for a comprehensive evaluation.

Imaging Studies (when required):

• Ordered if there's a suspicion of underlying conditions causing the deficiency of important minerals like magnesium.
• Standard tests include X-rays and CT scans.

With these diagnostic tools, doctors can effectively pinpoint magnesium deficiencies and guide you toward optimal health.

Treatment & Prevention of Low Magnesium Levels

Are you battling low magnesium levels? The solution might be on your plate or in a supplement bottle. 

You can avoid this deficiency by embracing magnesium-rich foods, considering supplements, and staying vigilant with regular check-ups. 

Magnesium supplements

Low on magnesium? Check for signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency! Don't worry! Magnesium supplements are a game-changer. Readily available in capsules or tablets, they can elevate your magnesium levels conveniently and help maintain electrolyte balance. 

While they benefit most, it's always wise to consult a healthcare expert to tailor it to your needs. 

You're on the path to optimal health and vitality with the right supplement, like our Magnesium Complex, which provides much magnesium. 

Dietary changes

Improving your  magnesium levels can start by making changes to your diet. Here are some dietary changes you can make to increase your magnesium intake:

1. Eat more spinach, kale, and other leafy greens.
2. Include nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pumpkin, and chia seeds, in your diet.
3. Add legumes to your meals, like beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
4. Consume fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, which are good sources of magnesium.
5. Increase your intake of fruits like bananas, avocados, and strawberries.
6. Use herbs and spices that contain magnesium, such as basil, parsley, and cumin, in your cooking.

And think, with every magnesium-rich bite, you're not just eating—you're leveling up in the game of health!

Managing underlying health conditions

Got low magnesium? It might be linked to other health issues or certain medicines you take. Here's the game plan to ensure adequate magnesium and potassium levels.

1. Team up with your doctor to pinpoint any underlying causes of your low level of magnesium.
2. Adjust medications or make lifestyle tweaks as needed.
3. Keep an eye on your magnesium with regular check-ups.

Remember, it's not just about boosting magnesium; it's about leveling up your overall health game and maintaining proper electrolyte balance! 

Wrapping Up the Magnesium Mystery

So, you've journeyed through the wild world of magnesium, from sneaky causes to tell-tale signs of deficiency. It's a ride. 

But here's the fun part: you're in control! 

Life throws curveballs, whether it's that extra glass of wine, a surprise bout of the runs, or just forgetting to munch on those greens. 

But with a bit of knowledge and action, you can dodge them all.

Ready to level up your intake of magnesium? 

Dive into the magic of Wild Foods Co. Magnesium Complex.

It's like a superhero cape for your cells. So, why wait? Give your body the magnesium boost it craves, and dance to vibrant health.

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FAQs

What are the common causes of low magnesium?

Low magnesium, or hypomagnesemia, often results from reduced gut absorption, increased urinary excretion, certain diseases like type 2 diabetes, alcohol dependence, and medications like loop diuretics.

How can I boost my magnesium levels naturally?

You can boost your magnesium levels by consuming spinach, almonds, whole grains, soy milk, and black beans. For severe deficiencies, consult a doctor for supplement recommendations.

What symptoms indicate low magnesium?

Symptoms of low magnesium include muscle spasms, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, headaches, and constipation.

Can stress lead to decreased magnesium levels?

Yes, prolonged stress can increase magnesium excretion through urine, affecting overall magnesium in the blood levels.

Are older adults at risk of low magnesium?

Yes, aging affects gut absorption and urinary output of magnesium, making older adults more susceptible to hypomagnesemia.

Related Studies

1. Title: Magnesium Metabolism in Chronic Alcohol-Use Disorder: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
A study published from PMC on the relationship between alcohol consumption and magnesium levels in the body found that chronic alcohol-use disorder can lead to dietary magnesium depletion and depletion of body stores of magnesium.

 Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8229336/

2. Title: Study on Differences between Patients with Physiological and Psychological Diseases in Online Health Communities: Topic Analysis and Sentiment Analysis
A study from MDPI on differences between patients with physiological and psychological diseases may provide insights into the impact of chronic diarrhea on magnesium levels.

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/5/1508

3. Title: Magnesium deficiency and alcohol intake: mechanisms, clinical significance and possible relation to cancer development
A study from PubMed on magnesium deficiency and alcohol intake suggests that chronic alcohol intake can lead to magnesium deficiency, which may have implications for malabsorption disorders like Celiac disease.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7836619/

4. Title: Hypomagnesemia
A study from Physiopedia on hypomagnesemia mentions that certain medical conditions and medications can cause excessive loss of magnesium, which may include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin.

Link: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hypomagnesemia

5.  Title: Hypomagnesemia
A study from Physiopedia on hypomagnesemia mentions that higher magnesium intakes have been linked to health benefits such as a lower risk of osteoporosis.

Link: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hypomagnesemia