Constant anxiety, sleep problems, and heart failure can be not only a consequence of stress or fatigue, but also a signal of magnesium deficiency in the body. Doctors warn: a deficiency of this mineral often develops gradually and remains unnoticed for years, masquerading as the usual symptoms of a modern lifestyle.
This is reported by Wellbeing Nutrition, emphasizing that magnesium is a key element for over 300 biochemical processes in the body. It is involved in the synthesis of proteins and DNA, the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, the regulation of blood pressure and the maintenance of bone strength. That is why magnesium deficiency affects several body systems at once.
Experts call magnesium deficiency the “invisible deficiency” because its signs are often ignored or explained away by other causes. Early symptoms include muscle cramps and spasms, nighttime leg cramps, eyelid twitching, or a constant feeling of tension in the body. This is because magnesium regulates the movement of calcium in muscle cells and helps them relax.
Another common sign is chronic fatigue and weakness that doesn’t go away even after rest. Magnesium is essential for energy production at the cellular level, and a deficiency can impair the function of mitochondria, leading to decreased endurance and fatigue.
Sleep disorders are also often associated with low magnesium levels. Difficulty falling asleep or restless, shallow sleep can be a result of the mineral not sufficiently activating the parasympathetic nervous system and affecting melatonin production.
On an emotional level, magnesium deficiency manifests itself in increased anxiety, irritability, or depressed mood. With a lack of the mineral, the body copes with stress worse, and cortisol levels increase, making a person more sensitive to emotional stress.
In more serious cases, heart rhythm disturbances appear - rapid heartbeat, arrhythmias or chest discomfort. Magnesium plays an important role in the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart muscle, so its deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Magnesium deficiency can also cause digestive problems, including constipation and nausea, frequent headaches or migraines, and over time, weakening of bones and joints. Since a significant portion of magnesium stores are concentrated in bone tissue, chronic deficiency contributes to a decrease in bone density and increases the risk of fractures.
Serious warning signs include memory and concentration problems, impaired blood sugar regulation, and a weakened immune system. People with diabetes, for example, often have low magnesium levels, which makes glucose control more difficult and worsens metabolic disorders.
Experts say the main causes of magnesium deficiency are a modern diet with a predominance of processed foods, chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, certain diseases, and age-related changes that impair mineral absorption.
Doctors advise paying attention to your body's signals and, if you suspect magnesium deficiency, consult a doctor for examination and correction of your diet or selection of supplements.
