Magnesium is one of the most abundant element in human body and plays some elementary role in body functions and metabolism. Some of the essential functions associated with magnesium are:
The body stores most of the magnesium in body cells forming tissues and organs. Some of the magnesium combines with calcium or phosphorous and is present in bones. While only a very thin or negligible amount of Magnesium is present in blood.
Yes. Magnesium functions as a natural medicine for cholesterol as it stimulates enzymes that lower bad cholesterol and enhances good cholesterol.
People with lower levels of magnesium become prone to the following disorders:
Magnesium intake in higher than normal levels (Ref Q. 4), may lead to the following health concerns:
The following are the primary causes of magnesium deficiency:
Calcium is essential for bone health, and magnesium stimulates Vitamin D to assimilate calcium. Calcium and magnesium have opposite functions. While Calcium contracts heart muscles, magnesium relaxes the same. There is no fixed calcium to magnesium ratio; however, physicians suggest that 2:1 ratio is ideal and available with different supplements. Again, depending upon your health status, the same ration can vary to 4:1 or 1:1 ratio as well.
Normal diet can never cause excess magnesium in body. The following are few of the factors leading to excess magnesium or toxicity in body:
If you are experiencing the following, you are perhaps having low magnesium level in body:
Identifying magnesium toxicity is difficult as most of the symptoms are generic and can be easily confused with other health disorders. However, the following can be taken as warning signs of Magnesium toxicity or Hypermagnesemia:
Your doctor based on symptoms will order a serum magnesium test to determine abnormal levels of the element in body. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood and then testing it under laboratory conditions. Normal levels of magnesium rule out chances of magnesium deficiency and thus your doctor can take up other diagnostic tests to route the causes of your symptoms.
Serum Magnesium test is available in every diagnostic center across various cities in India. You may get a detailed information about the prices here.
Magnesium is closely related to calcium content in body (Ref Q. 8). Similarly, other elements such as Potassium and phosphate also influence test results. Therefore, following tests are ordered alongside Mg Test:
Tingling sensation during oil massage is normal. This shows that the body is extensively low on magnesium and therefore as the oil sips in the skin, tingling effects are felt. Massaging just after bath will reduce the effect as skin pores are open then. Gradually, the sensation disappears as the body becomes used to the oil and the levels of magnesium gets close to normal.
As soon as remedial steps are adopted, magnesium levels rise. Approximately, a few weeks time is sufficient; however, this varies according to the level of deficiency you suffer and the rate at which the body responds to treatment options.
Getting a doctor's advice before taking any supplement is important. Magnesium supplements are safe; however, discussing with a doctor regarding doses, prevents you from developing hypermagnesemia.
Magnesium Citrate – Best for people with constipation and not suitable for individuals suffering from loose motion. Magnesium Malate – Best for treating fatigue associated with magnesium deficiency
Magnesium glutamate and aspartate are dangerous supplements and need to be avoided completely.
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