Many people have signs of magnesium deficiency without even knowing it. This mineral may play a vital role in a spectrum of important bodily functions, but it doesn’t get the attention that other minerals – calcium and iron, for example – tend to get.
That said, the signs of magnesium deficiency should not be ignored. This mineral plays a role in regulating nerve function, maintaining healthy bones, and even keeping your stomach settled, your mind calm, and your body able to relax and go to sleep at night. Now that you’ve seen where this mineral helps out, it’s easy to see why it’s important to keep it topped up!
What are the most common signs of magnesium deficiency?
The following are some of the most common signs of magnesium deficiency. If you find yourself experiencing any of these on a regular basis, it may be worthwhile to get checked by your doctor. Fortunately, it’s easy to replace magnesium in your diet, so if you are running low, your doctor will be able to recommend simple and affordable foods that will top you back up again. Keep in mind that even with a deficiency, not everyone will experience all these symptoms.
- Nausea – Chronic nausea is one of the top signs of magnesium deficiency. Even slightly inadequate levels can start to cause the stomach to feel upset. This can be quite unpleasant and even stressful, making it challenging to keep up with a normal everyday life. Check with a doctor if you’re nauseated on a regular basis.
- Tingling in the fingers, hands, toes and feet – A tingling sensation in the extremities can also be one of the leading signs of magnesium deficiency. This is most common in the feet, though some people do experience it in their fingers, hands, or even in the face. This is the result of altered nerve function from inadequate magnesium levels in the body.
- Overall fatigue – Although this is a very common symptom, frequently considered the most common among the signs of magnesium deficiency, it’s also difficult to pin down. The reason is that people experience fatigue for many different reason, from a lack of sleep, to stress, to poor overall diet, dehydration, or many other factors. Therefore, fatigue alone is often not seen as a symptom of deficiency of this mineral.
Take care to consume foods that are rich in this mineral on a regular basis, and you’ll reduce your risk of experiencing the signs of magnesium deficiency while enjoying better health.