If your magnesium levels are dangerously low, it can lead to a variety of different health issues. Magnesium is an important electrolyte in the body that helps regulate nerve and muscle function, helps form strong bones, and plays a role in energy production.
A magnesium deficiency can manifest itself in different ways and can cause muscle weakness, cramping, nausea, fatigue, and/or dizziness. Low levels of magnesium can also cause irregular heart rhythms, as well as increase one’s risk for high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes.
Further, magnesium deficiency can cause poor coordination, headaches, confusion, poor memory, irritability and agitation.
It is important to get your magnesium levels checked if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The best way to get your magnesium levels checked is through a blood test. Treatment for low magnesium levels involves taking a daily multivitamin, avoiding caffeine and processed foods, and increasing one’s intake of magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Can you be hospitalized for low magnesium?
Yes, you can be hospitalized for low magnesium. Low magnesium levels can cause a variety of medical problems, including arrhythmias, seizures, and muscle spasms. Severely low levels can cause cardiac arrest, coma, or death.
When an individual’s magnesium levels become too low, they may need to be hospitalized and monitored in order to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Treatment options can include IV magnesium replacement, oral magnesium supplements, or magnesium injections.
In cases where the underlying cause of the low magnesium levels is severe and not responding to treatment, more aggressive measures may be required to restore the magnesium levels. This can include enteral or parenteral nutrition.
Hospitalization may be necessary to properly monitor and treat individuals with severely low magnesium levels.
What is a dangerously low magnesium level?
A dangerously low magnesium level is when the amount of magnesium in the bloodstream is significantly lower than the body needs to carry out normal functioning. Symptoms of dangerously low magnesium levels can include fatigue, confusion, muscle spasms, irregular heart beat, seizures, and a loss of appetite.
In some cases, dangerously low magnesium levels can lead to coma or even cardiac arrest. If untreated, dangerously low magnesium levels can lead to serious health complications, such as a weakened immune system, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of developing arrhythmias.
Treatment for dangerously low magnesium levels mainly includes oral and intravenous supplements, as well as lifestyle modifications such as reducing caffeine intake, cutting down on alcohol intake, and engaging in regular physical activity.
It is important to see a physician if you think you may have a dangerously low magnesium level so they can provide appropriate treatment and evaluate any underlying medical conditions.
Can low magnesium be fatal?
Yes, low magnesium levels can be fatal in certain cases. In particular, low magnesium levels can cause cardiac arrest and sudden death as a result of severely high calcium levels in the blood due to magnesium deficiency.
This is known as hypercalcemia. Additionally, severe low magnesium levels can lead to more severe symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea, confusion, and muscle weakness, which may ultimately be fatal.
This can happen if the magnesium deficiency is not treated and the levels remain low. It is therefore important to monitor your blood magnesium levels and consult your doctor to prevent any serious medical occurrences.
When is low magnesium an emergency?
Low magnesium is considered an emergency when it drops to dangerously low levels, such as when it is less than 0.75 mmol/L. In this situation, a person is at an increased risk for developing life-threatening complications, such as irregular heartbeat, heart attack, seizures and even death.
Symptoms of low magnesium can include muscle weakness, spasms, abdominal cramps, nausea, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Consulting with a medical professional is essential when magnesium levels are abnormally low as prompt treatment can prevent or reduce these severe risks.
How can I raise my magnesium levels quickly?
One of the fastest ways to raise magnesium levels quickly is by taking a magnesium supplement, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate. It is important to find the right dosage, as taking too much may cause unpleasant side effects.
For adults, the RDA for magnesium is 400mg per day. It is also important to consider any medications that you may be taking, as magnesium can interact with them and cause further imbalance. Additionally, magnesium can be found in many foods naturally, including wheat bran, spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, and other leafy greens.
Eating a magnesium-rich diet is a great way to increase levels naturally over time. Lastly, some people find relief from stress and anxiety by adding a magnesium-based oil or bath salt to their bath.
However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.