Guide To The Symptoms Of Magnesium Deficiency

Muscle Cramps

an old woman experiencing cramps in her calf and falling over. Photo Credit: Dreamstime @Dreamz

Muscle cramps, tremors, and twitches are signs of muscle malfunction. This can be due to stress, excess caffeine intake, certain medications, and neurologic diseases. However, muscle cramps and malfunction can also be caused by a magnesium deficiency. Normally, calcium and magnesium work together to promote normal muscle function. Calcium flows into the muscle cell and stimulates it to contract. Magnesium acts as a calcium channel blocker, preventing the cell from becoming too stimulated. Overstimulation can result in cell hyperactivity. This is what causes muscle twitches, tremors, and cramps.

In addition, both magnesium and calcium are necessary to maintain a healthy heartbeat. Low magnesium can allow calcium to overstimulate heart cells, resulting in abnormal heart rhythms. Magnesium also regulates the heart's sodium-potassium pump. This creates electrical impulses that may affect the heartbeat.

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