Supplementation is an important part of living a healthy life. As we age, our bodies absorb nutrients differently and more slowly than they used to. Having nutrient and vitamin deficiencies can cause all kinds of health issues that can lead to potentially serious problems. We've all heard about the more common deficiencies like vitamin D, vitamin C, Iron, and B vitamins, but what about magnesium. While a magnesium deficiency is rare, it can happen, and if it does can be extremely dangerous.
Magnesium deficiency can be caused by poor nutrition and bad eating habits. Magnesium can be found in many different foods including nuts like sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds and cashews, spinach and other leafy greens, quinoa, black beans, whole grains, and dark chocolate. A magnesium deficiency can also happen if a person can't properly digest or absorb the nutrients from the foods they eat, even if they do eat a healthy and nutritional diet.
Typically, the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency will be almost unnoticeable unless levels are very low. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include sore muscles, weakness and cramping, osteoporosis, mental health issues, high blood pressure, heart problems and irregular heartbeat, and asthma. A magnesium deficiency can also cause long term and on-going health issues like chronic diarrhea, diabetes, hungry bone syndrome, and celiac disease.
To make sure that you're getting enough magnesium, it's always a good idea to have your doctor test your blood levels. If you struggle to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat, magnesium supplements can help. At LongevityMed, our goal is to help our patients stay young and healthy. If you feel that you are struggling to start your journey to health through supplementation and exercise, or would just like to talk about the important health benefits related to our practices, contact us to schedule a consultation! Supplementation is a great treatment on its own or in addition to other services we offer like HRT and weight management.
