Health professionals often assign a key role to magnesium for the normal functioning of the human body. This element has many functions, but the most important is the maintenance of healthy nerve and muscle fibers. Doctors say that the cause of many women's ailments is a lack of magnesium in the body.
Magnesium intake gives strength and promotes health
Symptoms in women can lead to frequent muscle spasms, as well as a heart attack. It is important not to lose sight of the indisputable fact that this element tends to be washed out of the body
, the reasons for this may be different.
For humans, magnesium is a very valuable macronutrient.
This substance is part of almost three hundred biochemical processes of the whole organism, controls the level of pressure in the arteries, participates in metabolic processes, supports immunity, etc. When the body has enough of this element, a person feels great.
Why magnesium is so important
Basically, magnesium enters the body with food. Functions of magnesium
hard to overestimate.
The main ones are, for example:
Difficulties arising from a lack of magnesium in women
Lack of magnesium in the body can lead to heart disease A person needs to consume 280-320 mg of magnesium per day, during pregnancy 350-380 mg per day, and when performing a large amount of physical exercise 430-450 mg.
The entire human body contains about 20 gr. of this element, its greater concentration is in the bones. For good health, a person does not need so much of this macronutrient.
Lack of magnesium in the body can lead to heart disease.
The observed symptoms in women threaten with a stroke, arrhythmia, as well as myocardial infarction.
The reason for the lack of this macronutrient may be high cholesterol. Consequently, the vessels are in greater danger and prone to disease.
The nervous system with a lack of magnesium can also suffer.
In the body of a woman, symptoms such as depressive states, unmotivated fears, and insomnia may appear.
Magnesium is the basis of reproductive function in humans. A sufficient amount of this element guarantees not only the regularity of the menstrual cycle and the possibility of getting pregnant, but also the stable course of the entire pregnancy and the health of the fetus, without the threat of miscarriage, as well as increased uterine tone.
Magnesium is a must during pregnancy Lack of magnesium in old age can lead to bone problems , because it is this element that is the link between phosphorus and potassium, which are responsible for the strength of bone tissue.
And an outflow of fluid can also occur, which will immediately affect the skin in a not the best way, and the root cause of this is also a lack of magnesium in the body. Symptoms in a woman may be barely noticeable, but the main thing is that this greatly affects her quality of life.
Note! A lack of magnesium in old age can lead to problems with bones, because it is this element that is the link between phosphorus and potassium, which are responsible for the strength of bone tissue.
The main symptoms of magnesium deficiency in the female body
The lack of magnesium in the body is fraught with various consequences. - Covering the arteries with lime (excess calcium). This is not the main symptom, but the most serious, because the consequences of a lack of magnesium are very deplorable - myocardial infarction, stroke, as well as other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Known fact - most people with a heart attack are prescribed magnesium chloride to thin the blood and stop the calcification of the arteries.
- Cramps and spasms in the muscles. This symptom is noticeable immediately. Muscles become stiff, hence spasms and cramps. This often occurs during pregnancy.
- Anxiety, depression. Science has long proven that magnesium directly affects the human psyche. Due to the lack of this element, the body reacts instantly, which is accompanied by excessive nervousness, fears, insomnia, decreased attentiveness, memory impairment, as well as frequent pain spasms in the head.
- Increased blood pressure. This symptom has been studied far and wide. Experts at Harvard University have studied the interaction between the amount of magnesium in the body and the level of blood pressure. The result of the observations was that Sufficient intake of magnesium contributes to the healthy state of blood vessels and blood pressure.
- Violation of the hormonal sphere in female representatives. With an increase in magnesium levels, there is an increase in estrogen, which has long been recognized. That is why pregnant women with a lack of magnesium begin to feel pain and cramps.
- Passion for chocolate products. Chocolate is a rich source of magnesium, so excessive cravings for this product can be just a symptom of a magnesium deficiency.
- Insomnia. The above symptoms can be detected immediately, but this one is not. Studies have shown that when taking supplemental magnesium, people who did not complain about sleep still showed clear improvements in falling asleep. This element allows you to relax both body and mind, immersed in serene dreams.
- Feeling tired and lacking initiative. Lack of magnesium in the body affects physical energy. The characteristic symptoms in women are fatigue, impotence.
Most of the symptoms listed above are related to the types of human temperament or are indicators of various diseases. Most often, a lack of magnesium in the body can be observed in women who have noticed several symptoms of a deficiency of this macronutrient at the same time.
With the help of medical tests, this deficiency can be detected in only 10 percent of patients. Mostly if there is little magnesium in the body, then it begins to flow into the blood from bone tissues, thereby weakening them.
There is a simple method of diagnosis: it is required to stretch and at the same time tighten the muscles. In the event that a person feels pain, then the appearance of the above signs of magnesium deficiency is not an accident. Therefore, it is necessary to contact the clinic to a specialist.
Causes of magnesium deficiency
Smoking and alcohol cause magnesium deficiency The following factors of today's reality have an adverse effect on a woman's body:
- Eating fast food, semi-finished products that are saturated with salt and various additives;
- Drinking soft water, which contains very little magnesium;
- Such a bad habit as smoking has a very bad effect on the whole body of a woman as a whole, and also reduces the amount of magnesium.
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
— Taking medications, such as diuretics, leads to the washing out of excess salts from the body along with magnesium;
- Taking contraceptives also entails a loss of magnesium;
- Menstruation is the cause of the loss of magnesium, so the most pronounced deterioration in the psychological state of women in this period is caused precisely by a decrease in the level of this element;
- Insufficient amount of vitamin B6 affects the amount of magnesium directly, since without it, magnesium will not be able to penetrate the cell membrane;
- Regular stressful situations, excessive physical activity and psychological breakdowns, which cause an increase in the level of adrenaline in the blood.
The malaise most often manifests itself after violent mental activity or physical exertion. At night, all organs and muscles relax, and metabolic processes normalize. At about 6 o'clock in the morning, the work of the adrenal glands begins, which provide energy to the body for the whole day.
The nervous system can fail due to a disorder in ion exchange. If there is a lack of magnesium, then these processes are destroyed.
Magnesium plays a major role in the formation of collagen, which is simply necessary for healthy skin. To avoid premature aging, you need to monitor your health so that there is no shortage of magnesium in the body. Symptoms in women can lead to the formation of early wrinkles, experts say.
Attention! When a woman observes the symptoms of a lack of magnesium, you can notice a surge of energy in the evening, and apathy in the morning.
What are the consequences of prolonged magnesium deficiency?
Magnesium deficiency can be detected by self-feeling During pregnancy in women, a lack of magnesium is fraught with serious fetal developmental disorders and poor health. Symptoms are manifested in the form of edema or causeless disorders and nervousness.
Most of the macroprocesses in the uterus occur due to the presence of calcium in it, the metabolic processes of which are simply not feasible with a lack of magnesium.
When there is an increased tone of the uterus, the fetus is at risk and a miscarriage may occur. Additional signs of danger are vomiting, cramps in the calves, dizziness. This condition can be normalized by timely contacting the clinic and taking the drugs prescribed by the doctor.
Consequences of prolonged magnesium deficiency the following can be distinguished:
- The occurrence of problems with the heart and blood vessels, high or low blood pressure, increased dizziness;
- When there is not enough magnesium, "arbitrary" calcium accumulates in small vessels;
- Lack of magnesium in children threatens to slow down growth and development;
- Depressive conditions appear, nervousness, irritability, seizures and even convulsions become more frequent;
- The risk of developing asthma;
- Sexual desire may decrease, the culprit of this may be a lack of magnesium in the body. Symptoms in women may well lead to infertility;
- The threat of developing tumors that are fraught with cancer;
- Risk of sudden death in children;
- Development of type 2 diabetes;
- Diseases of the respiratory tract.
The best option to use magnesium is to combine it with calcium, this will significantly increase endurance, and improve overall condition.
Important to remember! During pregnancy in women, a lack of magnesium is fraught with serious fetal developmental disorders and poor health. Symptoms are manifested in the form of edema or causeless disorders and nervousness.
How to replenish the lack of magnesium
Magnesium can be obtained from both foods and supplements. To restore health and replenish the lack of magnesium in the body, a woman's lifestyle will need to be adjusted and revised. The observed symptoms are a kind of impetus to a healthy lifestyle.
- The first step is nutritional control.
Consumption of foods rich in magnesium saturates the body with this element, reducing its shortage, and also improves metabolic processes. Human well-being is closely related to nutrition.
Plant foods are especially rich in magnesium. A large amount of this element is found in cereals, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables and dried fruits in various proportions. It's pretty wide range of magnesium sources , so you can replenish the stocks of an important macronutrient year-round. When observing signs of a lack of magnesium, you should study the list of healthy foods and consume them every day.
List of foods rich in magnesium
| 100 grams of product | mg magnesium |
| sesame | 510 |
| almond | 271 |
| cashew | 266 |
| hazelnut | 182 |
| peanut | 175 |
| walnuts | 123 |
| wheat bran | 570 |
| buckwheat | 220 |
| millet | 160 |
| wheat | 157 |
| dried coconut | 95 |
| dried apricots | 70 |
| dates | 53 |
| prunes | 34 |
| raisin | 34 |
| potato | 33 |
| beet | 21 |
| carrot | 23 |
| cauliflower | 25 |
| broccoli | 25 |
- And experts recommend changing the mode of drinking water. Dairy products, self-made freshly squeezed juices, mineral water rich in magnesium contribute to the improvement of health. Tea, coffee and carbonated drinks are best avoided..
- Eating ordinary foods does not always help to make up for the lack of a macronutrient in the body. Recently, there has been a rapid development of agriculture, which could not affect the quality of products, which has fallen significantly due to the use of various additives and chemicals.
These substances contribute to the depletion of the soil cover. Scientists' data boil down to the fact that over several decades, the usefulness of products has fallen 18 times! It should also be noted that a person is unable to fully assimilate useful elements from products. Therefore, you may encounter magnesium deficiency, even if the diet is complete and healthy.
Therefore, taking special preparations becomes a necessity. Here, courses of various vitamin complexes, which include vitamin B6 and magnesium, come to the rescue. This guarantees complete assimilation of both elements.
Pharmaceutical specialists can offer drugs such as Calcium Magnesium Chelate or Calcimax, these vitamins contain both magnesium and calcium.
- There are times when the human body needs an increased dosage of magnesium. For example, puberty in adolescence, recovery period after surgery, pregnancy and lactation. Here, a specialist consultation is required, after which the daily intake of magnesium can be increased.
Magnesium is considered the mineral of women's attractiveness. If a representative of the female half of society begins to monitor her health and the amount of magnesium in her body is sufficient, then she will be provided with a bright blush on her cheeks, healthy and strong nails, beautiful hair, sparkle in her eyes, excellent physical and psychological state, energy and initiative.
We wish you vitality and health!
If there is a lack of magnesium in a woman's body, then a whole list of pathological changes occurs. The causes of such a violation and how to make an unmistakable diagnosis?
Magnesium as an essential element of women's health
Magnesium is a participant in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body of each person, helps to normalize blood pressure, participates in metabolism, is responsible for the beauty of hair, skin, nails, and more.
This element is indispensable for the functioning of normal cardiac activity, prevents stone formation in the body, enhances intestinal motility, and strengthens the skeletal system.
Magnesium levels do not depend on the gender of the patient, however, they can change in the age equivalent. What to do if there is a deficiency of this bioelement, what features of the deterioration in the patient's well-being cannot be ignored?
Reasons for a decrease in magnesium
Magnesium enters the body with nutritious food elements, when using fortified supplements, but disappears, most often, with the modern way of life (according to doctors, it is a disease of civilization):
- stressful situations;
- lack of sleep;
- malnutrition;
- lack of physical activity;
- harmful lifestyle;
- diabetes;
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- long-term use of oral contraceptives or diuretics.
Symptoms
Signs of a lack of magnesium in a woman's body are expressed gradually, in the first place - this is constant fatigue, drowsiness, loss of efficiency. The patient often complains of headaches, cramps at night, apathy, bad mood.
In the future, the cardiovascular system suffers, blood pressure rises, the heartbeat quickens, aching or sharp pains occur in the region of the heart muscle.
With a lack of magnesium, sleep is disturbed, insomnia is tormented, characterized by increased anxiety, panic, irritability. Deficiency of the element may be manifested by the occurrence of emotional instability, depression, despondency.
If you do not pay attention to the manifestation of magnesium deficiency in a woman's body, then in the future we can expect more serious symptoms of deterioration in well-being:
- sensitivity of receptors to insulin decreases;
- metabolism is disturbed;
- muscle pain and problems with the skeletal system;
- nausea, vomiting;
- severe weakness;
- prolonged depression;
- leg cramps, hand trembling, finger numbness;
- memory impairment;
- delamination of nails, hair loss, aging of the skin.
The list goes on and on, and all because magnesium interacts with many vitamins and minerals, helps them to be absorbed and positively affect the body. If this does not happen, then almost all internal systems and organs suffer.
Magnesium and pregnancy
Almost all women during the period of bearing a child are additionally prescribed a magnesium preparation for the normal formation of bones, muscle and nervous tissue of the unborn baby.
If there is a lack of magnesium in the body, the symptoms in a woman during pregnancy are manifested:
- unstable progesterone levels;
- problems with the digestive tract;
- disorders of the nervous system;
- excessive weight gain;
- heart failure.
As for the baby, there are pathological changes in the functioning of the bone apparatus, nervous system, heart, liver, kidneys, and brain tissue. If you do not take preventive and therapeutic measures, then the unborn child may die in the womb.
The lack of magnesium is especially acute in the second trimester, the hormonal background of the mother changes once again, nervous tension arises, the uterus is in constant tone, unstable blood pressure, and a violation of the digestive system.
Magnesium and menopause
During the completion of the reproductive function of a woman, various changes are observed, and in order to make them easier to endure, it is necessary to control the level of magnesium and other important bioelements in the woman's body.
Its deficiency leads to osteoporosis (impaired bone strength), increases the risk of fractures. In addition, tooth enamel is modified, skin, hair, nails suffer, skin integuments age, their elasticity is lost, wrinkles appear.
Magnesium and lactation
How does a lack of magnesium manifest itself in a woman's body during the period of feeding a baby:
- Disorders of the vegetovascular system (migraines, pain in the back and neck, muscle cramps).
- Violation of the digestive tract (constipation, diarrhea, flatulence).
- Dry skin, brittle hair and nails.
Vivid symptoms of magnesium deficiency in lactating women are such indicators of changes in the state - numbness of the limbs, tingling in the arms and legs, night cramps, tinnitus, and a tendency to depression.
Magnesium and gynecology
The bioelement magnesium is called the female mineral, and all because the lack of a substance leads to painful menstruation, cycle instability, leads to infertility, is characterized by miscarriages, fetal fading, premature birth, early and late toxicosis (preeclampsia).
Magnesium deficiency and intellectual activity
How to determine the lack of magnesium in the female body from the nervous system associated with intellectual activity and general well-being? It is important to pay attention to such characteristics that are unusual for the body:
- prostration;
- sleep disturbance;
- neuroses;
- concentration disorders;
- memory impairment;
- depressive state.
Stress can be both a direct and indirect cause of the development of such disorders, it is important to review the diet, eliminate bad habits, do what you love in order to eliminate the lack of magnesium in the body and improve overall well-being.
Consequences of magnesium deficiency
If you ignore the symptoms of a lack of magnesium in a woman's body for a long time, then you can get serious diseases of internal systems and organs. Increases the likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, seizures.
The functionality of the immune system decreases, which is fraught with the appearance of various diseases of a viral, infectious and bacterial nature. Leukemia or other types of cancer may appear.
The nervous system is depleted, which threatens the development of prolonged depression, insomnia, panic, anxiety, irritability. Sometimes it is no longer possible to cope with such symptoms alone, you will need immediate qualified help (while you can still fix something).
The daily requirement for magnesium is 300 ml for women, and during lactation and pregnancy, the dose is increased by 20%.
The main indications that indicate a lack of magnesium in the blood are the symptoms of exhaustion, these are weakness, apathy, irritability. As well as neurological disorders (tremor of the limbs, hyperexcitability), renal failure.
It should be noted that magnesium deficiency is often accompanied by a lack of other useful elements, and therefore it is necessary to periodically take vitamin-mineral complexes, herbal dietary supplements for prevention (after consulting a doctor).
Patients with signs of magnesium deficiency need to avoid stressful situations, various unrest, lead a healthy lifestyle, eat foods high in this element:
Be sure to include nuts, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits, dried fruits in the daily diet, you can enjoy dark chocolate, but instead of tea and coffee, it is better to drink mineral water.
The most popular drugs that contain magnesium include Magne B6 Forte, Asparkam, Panangin, Magnelis, Natural Calm, Complivit Magnesium and others. It is important not to self-medicate and not to diagnose yourself, because an excess of an element is just as dangerous for the body as its deficiency.
Be attentive to your health and follow the instructions of your doctor.
Magnesium takes part in most vital processes: normalization of blood pressure, strengthening of immunity, regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Partly due to this element, our body is cleansed of toxins and toxins, and is capable of tissue regeneration. In conditions of an active rhythm of life and many stressful situations, magnesium is simply necessary for a person, as it reduces the release of adrenaline in the body, which makes it easier to experience stress.
Magnesium deficiency - symptoms and causes
The statistics are relentless, and it says that up to 80% of the adult population experiences a lack of magnesium to one degree or another. The most susceptible to magnesium deficiency are pregnant and lactating women, as well as people who abuse alcohol.
In medicine, there is a primary deficiency caused by congenital pathologies, and a secondary one, formed in the process of life.
It is possible to conclude that the body needs magnesium by the following signs:
- Fatigue and fatigue do not go away even after a good night's sleep.
- The character becomes nervous and irritable, you are able to scream or cry because of a mere trifle.
- Headaches and dizziness, often there is a deterioration in memory and concentration.
- The digestive system fails, nausea and diarrhea are possible.
- The pressure rises, interruptions in the work of the heart are felt.
- The skin becomes dry and less sensitive.
- During pregnancy, the onset of late toxicosis is possible.
The reasons for the lack of an element in the body are varied, they include both traditional factors that cause most problems, such as malnutrition or obesity, and specific ones.
Common causes of magnesium deficiency:
- Oversaturation of the body with calcium. According to scientists, an excess of one of these two elements leads to a shortage of the other.
- Reception for a long time of antibiotics, hormonal agents, oral contraceptives.
- Diseases of the digestive system. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract can make it difficult for the element to be absorbed. Various intestinal infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea have a particularly negative effect on magnesium levels.
- Frequent stress.
- Hypothermia.
The amount of magnesium in the body of a healthy person should be at around 20-30 mg. It is important to know that more than half of the amount of magnesium is found in bones - 60-70%, slightly less (within 28-38%) - in soft tissues, and only 1-2% - in various liquids.
The daily dose of mineral intake depends on lifestyle, age, body condition and many other factors.
However, it is possible to designate the average daily values of the intake of an element into the body:
- Children up to a year - 50-70 mg;
- Up to 7 years - 300 mg;
- Women - 310 mg;
- Men - 400 mg.
In addition, when monitoring the level of magnesium, you need to remember that every day the kidneys remove up to 30% of the element contained in the body.
How to make up for magnesium deficiency and what contributes to better absorption of the element?
Before replenishing magnesium deficiency, you need to start following the rules that prevent its active removal from the body:
- Exclude coffee and strong alcohol from the diet to the maximum;
- Eat less sweets and avoid carbonated drinks;
- Adjust the calcium content in the diet and body.
Vitamin B6 contributes to the absorption of magnesium, which is saturated with protein animal food: eggs, beef, chicken, and so on.
The "magnesium" menu must also contain cereals, buckwheat, oatmeal and millet are especially rich in them.
In sufficient quantities, the element is contained in bran bread, as well as in beans.
Foods and drinks that can help replenish magnesium deficiency:
| Product | Mg content per 100 g of product (in mg, approximate)* |
| Raw wheat bran | 611 |
| cocoa powder | 499 |
| Dried sesame seeds | 351 |
| Raw cashew nuts | 292 |
| soybeans raw | 280 |
| Raw oat bran | 235 |
| bean beans | 222 |
| Buckwheat | 221 |
| walnuts raw | 185 |
| Wild rice | 177 |
| Cereals | 143 |
| raw millet | 119 |
| Brown rice, long grain | 116 |
| Dates | 85 |
| germinated wheat | 82 |
| Wheat bran white bread | 81 |
| fresh parsley | 50 |
| Veal | 47 |
| Raw chicken egg | 30 |
| raw chicken meat | 25 |
| coconut water | 25 |
| carrot juice | 14 |
| Orange juice | 11 |
| fresh red tomatoes | 11 |
* According to USDA - US Department of Agriculture.
On a note! Magnesium, like many other useful elements, is very moody. In case of oversaturation of the body with it, negative consequences can occur - with an excess of magnesium, the kidneys suffer, since they cannot cope with the excretion of the element, as a result of which chronic renal failure may develop. It is joined by dyslexia in children (impaired ability to master the skill of reading and writing), arthritis and psoriasis. But the main danger is that the symptoms of excess magnesium will be similar to the symptoms of its deficiency.
Today in pharmacies you can find a large number of preparations containing magnesium, but do not forget that their use (as well as any other medical preparations) should be agreed with the doctor, especially when it comes to the treatment of children, pregnant and lactating women.
The role of magnesium during pregnancy
Magnesium in the body of a pregnant woman acquires one of the paramount values, because it not only participates in the development of the fetus, but also prevents premature birth.
The daily intake of magnesium for pregnant women depends on age:
- Up to 18 years - 400 mg.
- 18-35 years - 350 mg.
- From 35 years old - 360 mg.
Performing a calming function, the element helps the expectant mother not to be nervous and remain calm in any situation. Interestingly, magnesium is involved in the process of transferring genetic information from a woman to a child.
Its role in metabolism, regulation of insulin levels, as well as the prevention of leg cramps is undeniable.
Magnesium deficiency in children during growth
One of the key functions of magnesium that children need is anti-stress. Studying at school and a difficult adolescence requires a lot of energy, both physical and emotional. Due to magnesium deficiency, children become irritable and whiny, begin to study worse and quarrel with their parents. Magnesium helps the child to remain calm and balanced, to be sociable and socially oriented.
So that the child does not encounter magnesium deficiency, it is necessary to ensure that the element enters the body in an amount of 0.05% of body weight. The average daily dose of an element per 1 kg of weight is 5-6 g.
If you find symptoms of a lack or excess of magnesium, be sure to contact the clinic to take the necessary tests and consult a doctor - self-medication with pronounced symptoms can be dangerous!
Magnesium is involved in more than 300 metabolic processes of the body, magnesium is called the main mineral, because it is responsible for the intake and absorption of nutrients into the body. Magnesium determines how efficiently the body's metabolism, cleansing, protein formation, cell and tissue restoration proceeds. It has been proven that women with low magnesium levels have more difficult and prolonged labor, and babies are born with signs of magnesium deficiency, manifested by convulsions.
How is magnesium deficiency manifested in the body?
Often we consider a disease to be a manifestation of a deficiency of any bioelements: vitamins, macroelements. We turn to a doctor who prescribes drugs to remove the symptoms, getting rid of the manifestation of the disease, we do not remove its cause. In addition, the medicine, almost always, is a poison for the body, provoking the appearance of other diseases.
Just a change in eating habits will help get rid of the root cause of many ailments. One has only to enrich the diet with foods rich in calcium, magnesium, protein, and vitamins C, E, D and group B - they are interdependent, and you will get rid of the following ailments
Insomnia and nightmares
Loss of balance, sudden unexpected dizziness and loss of balance
Flickering dots before the eyes, fog
Cramps, tingling in the legs, numbness of the extremities, spasms
Muscle cramps, eyelid twitching
Brittle nails, hair loss
Rapid fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches
bad memory
Arrhythmia, palpitations accompanied by chest pain.
Weather sensitivity and as a result of pain in muscles, joints, teeth
Seizures of melancholy, tearfulness,
General feeling of heaviness in the body
Cramping pains in the stomach accompanied by diarrhea
The symptoms are completely different, but they have one root - a lack of magnesium. The reason is that the quality of the nerve impulse a depends on the movement of mineral ions - calcium and magnesium. And if the magnesium level is too low, then the metabolism of ions is disturbed, followed by a breakdown in immunity and control of body temperature due to environmental changes. The production of cells - phagocytes (they eliminate bacteria, viruses and particles unnecessary for the body) and the formation of antibodies, the sensitivity of the body to stress, pain, toxins increases. Protection against infections, harmful radiation, inflammation is lost.
Magnesium controls all immune processes: anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic, anti-allergic, anti-stress, anti-anaphylactic. Magnesium is necessary for: heart attack, sclerosis, muscle weakness, diseases of the endocrine glands, even leukemia. Magnesium is essential in the fight against cancer.
Magnesium prevents and relieves diseases
It has been established that vascular and heart diseases arise as a result of the accumulation of cholesterol in the vessels.
The level of cholesterol in the blood is coordinated by lecithin, an amino acid. All amino acids are produced from plant foods. But the production of lecithin, without the enzyme containing vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), is not possible. And pyridoxine vitamin B6 performs its functions only with a sufficient amount of magnesium in the blood.
Therefore, in order to lower cholesterol, it is necessary to enrich the diet with foods containing magnesium, choline, vitamin B6 and inositol.
Magnesium is present in:
germinated wheat, bran, in many products of plant origin: 
soybeans, beans, beans, lentils, almonds, cashews, peas, sesame seeds, egg yolk, green peas, spinach, sour milk, beets, fish, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese.
Know that even if there are enough B vitamins in the body, and magnesium is not enough, then the formation of lecithin (an essential amino acid) stops, instead an excessive amount of cholesterol is formed.
Along with an increase in cholesterol in the blood, the body's need for magnesium increases. Therefore, if you have the first signs of diseases of the cardiovascular system or you are obese, make every effort to enrich your diet with foods containing magnesium or buy from a pharmacy and take up to 500 mg per day of magnesium salts (magnesium sulfate, magnesia, magnesol, etc.). similar), and increase the calcium content in the diet several times, due to natural products.
Those who lack magnesium and calcium in their diet suffer from early sclerosis, because magnesium ions prevent the formation of cholesterol and correct its content in the vessels.
Even a slight deficiency of magnesium leads to serious heart disease, and a serious lack of magnesium leads to a heart attack.
If you do not sleep well, you are haunted by a feeling of fatigue, nervousness, constant fears, irritation that you are not able to control. This means that the body does not have enough magnesium salts, which leads to impaired transmission of nerve impulses, because the quality of the nerve impulse depends on the circulation of mineral ions, mainly magnesium and calcium.
Serves as a cause of an increased risk of neurological diseases, heart disease.
How to determine if there is a lack of magnesium in the body, what are the symptoms of a deficiency of this mineral?
Magnesium is a divalent metal. In the ionized form, the mineral is a positively charged Mg 2+ cation, it belongs to macroelements - substances whose content exceeds 0.005% of body weight.
The Mg 2+ cation occupies the 4th place in the body in terms of content among positively charged particles, second only to Na + , K + , Ca 2+ .
Magnesium is a universal insulator of nerve impulse conduction, ensures the electrical stability of cell membranes, retains potassium inside the cell, and controls the operation of the cell's ion membrane pumps.
Without the Mg2+ cation, the following are impossible:
- contraction of skeletal muscles;
- bone formation;
- protein synthesis for cell growth.
The mineral ensures the viability of the cell, compensating for the action of stress factors.
Actively participating in metabolism, the macroelement controls the innervation of internal organs, affects the formation of immunity at the cellular level, and participates in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism.
Distribution in the body
The human body contains between 21 g and 28 g of magnesium, depending on body weight. The main work of the macroelement occurs inside the cell.
A high need for the mineral is experienced by actively working organs - skeletal muscles, heart muscle, brain, liver, kidneys. These organs account for up to 40% of magnesium.
A significant amount (60%) of the macronutrient is concentrated in human bones and teeth. Magnesium deficiency causes a violation of redistribution, causing calcification, a symptom of which is osteoporosis, bone fractures.
With a lack of intracellular Mg 2+, the indicators of this macroelement in the blood plasma may remain normal.
This explains why it can be difficult to recognize a mineral deficiency at an early stage, before the onset of pronounced symptoms of hypomagnesemia, when its concentration inside the cell is already significantly reduced.
How to determine the lack of a macronutrient in the body if the deficiency cannot be detected by laboratory tests?
Significance for the body
Inside the cells, magnesium is concentrated in the mitochondria, providing the electrical stability of the cell, forms a Mg 2+ -ATP complex with the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule, the breakdown of which releases the energy necessary for the cell to live.
Mg 2+ is necessary for almost all reactions occurring inside the cell, is involved in the synthesis of RNA, DNA, and is of key importance in the work of 300 enzymes.
Mg 2+ cations serve as a natural regulator of ion membrane channels, control the content of Na + , K + , Ca 2+ ions in the cell.
With a decrease in the concentration of Mg 2+, the energy supply of the cell decreases, processes leading to its death are triggered, which becomes the basis for pathological changes in tissues and diseases.
Magnesium deficiency is considered in adults as a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Hypomagnesemia is observed in almost all patients with diabetes mellitus.
In children, a lack of a mineral is expressed in an emotional disorder, conflict behavior, poor school performance, tearfulness, and hysteria.
The daily dose of magnesium for an adult male is 300-400 mg, for women - 280-300 mg. During pregnancy, the need for a macronutrient increases and reaches 355 mg / day.
An overdose of magnesium is not noted, since the macronutrient is rapidly excreted by the kidneys.
Normal plasma levels are:
- in children - 0.74-1.15 mmol / l;
- in adults - 0.75-1.26 mmol / l;
- in pregnant women - 0.8-1.05 mmol / l.
Magnesium deficiency is defined as a disease coded in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) as E 61.2. At a concentration of 0.5-0.7 mmol / l, the disease is diagnosed as moderate insufficiency.
Classification
According to the nature of the occurrence, magnesium deficiency is distinguished primary and secondary.
The primary deficiency is hereditary, manifested by convulsions (constitutional tetany) with a normal content of the macroelement in the blood.
Secondary deficiency is acquired during life as a result of diseases, social causes, stress loads:
- mono-diet, starvation;
- heavy physical activity;
- acute and chronic stress;
- adynamia;
- pregnancy;
- metabolic disorders;
- nutritional characteristics;
- treatment with diuretics, hormonal drugs, taking contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs.
According to the time of occurrence, the symptoms of hypomagnesemia are distinguished:
- immediate;
- delayed.
Delayed symptoms include osteoporosis, bone fragility, which causes frequent fractures, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, muscle atrophy, Alzheimer's disease.
Immediate symptoms of a lack of this macronutrient manifest themselves immediately as violations:
- psycho-neurological nature;
- malfunctions of the cardiovascular system;
- diseases of the blood coagulation system;
- pathologies from the respiratory system, the risk of bronchospasm, laryngospasm;
- diseases of the digestive tract;
- problems with bearing a child during pregnancy.
Magnesium deficiency symptoms
With a lack of magnesium, the general condition worsens. Night sleep does not bring rest, habitual work causes fatigue, movements lose their ease, muscle fatigue and weakness are felt in the body.
Acquired deficiency occurs in adults with alcohol abuse, smoking, drug addiction, manifested by nervous, muscle exhaustion, irritability, and increased excitability.
The lack of a mineral is evidenced by the poor condition of the hair, nails, and skin. With brittle nails, dental caries, increased sensitivity to weather changes, constant cold feet, it is worth checking the blood for magnesium content.
Psychoneurological
A significant macronutrient deficiency is observed in strokes. In the acute period, the lack of magnesium in brain cells reaches 70% of the physiological norm.
Changes are noted from the side of the organs of vision. The patient has "flies" before his eyes, visual acuity decreases.
Psycho-emotional disorders include:
- inability to concentrate;
- sleep disturbance;
- Bad mood;
- dizziness;
- nervous tic;
- tendency to depression;
- decrease in stress resistance;
- lump in the throat with high muscle tone;
- tearfulness, night sweats;
- headache.
Magnesium deficiency manifests itself as symptoms of neuromuscular transmission disorders. A person may experience pain in the muscles when sipping, cramps in the limbs, muscles of the neck, numbness, a feeling of "goosebumps".
Cardiovascular
Magnesium is a universal cardioprotector, it regulates the functioning of specialized myocardial cells (heart muscle) that ensure the conduction of a nerve signal.
With a lack of magnesium, the work of the nerve nodes of the heart, which are responsible for the automatism of heartbeats, is disrupted, the likelihood of heart rhythm disturbances and arrhythmias increases.
Magnesium deficiency increases the activity of specialized cells of cardiomycetes, disrupts the functioning of nerve nodes, causing:
- ventricular tachycardia - increased heart rate;
- ventricular fibrillation - a chaotic contraction of the heart;
- ventricular extrasystole - the appearance of additional contractions of the myocardium.
A sign of magnesium deficiency can be calcification - the deposition of insoluble calcium salts on the walls of the aorta, heart valves, blood vessels that feed the heart.
Calcification of blood vessels leads to ischemia, impaired cardiac conduction, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and can cause sudden death due to aortic rupture.
Endocrine diseases
The lack of this element is observed in all patients with diabetes. This is because high sugar levels speed up the excretion of magnesium by the kidneys.
The occurrence of diabetes with a lack of magnesium is also explained by the fact that Mg2 + is involved in the activation of insulin. A diet enriched with magnesium is recommended for diabetic patients.
Manifestations of macronutrient deficiency are excessive violation of the synthesis of hormones of the thyroid, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands, menopausal and premenstrual syndrome in women.
Symptoms of menopausal syndrome in women largely coincide with signs of magnesium deficiency:
- hot flashes, night sweats;
- pain in muscles, joints;
- violation of skin sensitivity, numbness, tingling sensation;
- dizziness, fainting;
- mineralization of bone tissue, the development of osteoporosis.
Pregnancy
A deficiency in the content of this macronutrient is observed in almost all pregnant women by 36-40 weeks. This is due to the fact that 70% of the proteins synthesized by the placenta are magnesium-dependent.
Magnesium deficiency for a woman's body during pregnancy is manifested by symptoms:
- placental calcification;
- the threat of premature termination of pregnancy due to the high tone of the uterus;
- calf cramps;
- high blood pressure;
- tremor of the limbs;
- late toxicosis;
- weak labor activity.
A mineral deficiency in the mother can result in the fetus:
- sudden death of a newborn;
- malformation of the facial bones;
- a violation of the formation of the spinal cord - the neural tube does not close completely.
Diseases of the digestive system
Magnesium is poorly absorbed from foods, on average by 30-35%. This is due to the ability of the Mg 2+ cation to form complexes of large molecules with fats, which are poorly absorbed in the intestine.
A macronutrient deficiency may be accompanied by:
- pain in the abdomen;
- vomiting;
- spasms of the stomach, intestines, esophagus, cause spastic constipation;
- development of gallstone disease.
Medications can cause macronutrient deficiencies. Abuse of diuretics, uncontrolled use of antibiotics, combination of drugs with alcohol, smoking, drinking coffee can upset the balance of minerals in the body, provoke a decrease in the magnesium content in the body.
