(NaturalNews) Magnesium has gained a lot of attention on blogs, social media sites and e-magazines dedicated to improving health. This is because research in the last several years has begun to uncover more and more information about all the amazing things that magnesium does for the body. To date, it has been found that magnesium is needed by the body for over 200 chemical reactions and that no bodily system is untouched by the need for this important mineral. Unfortunately, research is also coming to light that many Americans are magnesium-deficient and do not even know it! One important way to combat this problem is for the public to become aware of what the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency are so that they can discuss the matter with their doctors and have the blood work done that can confirm – or rule out – this diagnosis.

The most common signs of magnesium deficiency are:

Fatigue

This is a difficult one, because there are many reasons why people could feel fatigue from day to day – including other mineral deficiencies such as iron deficiency (which can lead to anemia) or issues like poorly controlled blood sugar or undiagnosed sleep apnea. However, it is good to keep in mind that, because magnesium is needed by the body to maintain energy, low levels of it can result in feeling chronically tired.

Cramping and spasms

Because magnesium is needed by the muscles for their overall health, another sign that someone may be low on this mineral is cramping and spasms. So if this is a problem – particularly in absence of exercise or strenuous activity, it is definitely something that should not be ignored. Keep in mind, too, that is not an early warning sign, but rather an indication that the body has been suffering from low magnesium levels for some time.

Irregular heartbeat

The heart, of course, is a muscle and like any muscle it can be affected by a lack of magnesium. That is why people with magnesium deficiencies can often experience an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia. This is a serious issue, because it can put someone at greater risk for forming a blood clot – and this blood clot can, in turn, cause a heart attack or a stroke.

Dizziness

Anyone can get a little dizzy if they stand or sit up too quickly or if they are very tired or get dehydrated. But that dizziness generally goes away more or less on its own. Low magnesium levels, however, can cause a chronic dizziness which is similar to vertigo, and this will not go away until the problem is corrected. As a matter of fact, as low magnesium levels get worse, the dizziness will worsen too.

If these signs and symptoms sound familiar, make an appointment with a doctor or naturopathic practitioner. Simple blood work can establish a patient's magnesium levels – and if they are low, a plan of care can be developed which usually involves supplements and increasing high-magnesium foods in the diet.

Sources:

http://www.ancient-minerals.com

http://www.activebeat.com

http://www.boldsky.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Sofiya has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments,health insurance, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.