What happens when the body has excess magnesium?

Health and Life Magazine - Magnesium is an essential mineral for the functioning of the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and muscles. However, excess magnesium due to overuse of supplements or prolonged use of magnesium-containing medications can cause diarrhea, hypotension, and heart rhythm disorders.

1. Why does excess magnesium occur?

CONTENT:

• 1. Why does excess magnesium occur?
• 2. Signs of excess magnesium in the body
• 3. How to handle suspected magnesium excess.
• 4. How can I supplement magnesium safely and avoid magnesium overdose?

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biological reactions in the body, from nerve transmission and muscle contraction to blood pressure regulation. However, excessive supplementation can lead to magnesium excess in the body.

In healthy individuals, the kidneys are capable of eliminating excess magnesium through urine. Therefore, magnesium excess is rare if one only eats natural foods such as green vegetables, nuts, or whole grains.

According to Dr. Do Bich Thuy, former Head of the Pharmacy Department at Hanoi Heart Hospital, the main cause is the excessive use of magnesium-containing medications or supplements. In healthy individuals, only about 30-50% of orally administered magnesium is absorbed into the bloodstream, but for those who use magnesium regularly, in high doses, and those with kidney failure, the percentage entering the bloodstream is higher, leading to a greater risk of toxicity.

2. Signs of excess magnesium in the body

Depending on the degree of excess magnesium, different symptoms can occur.

According to Dr. Do Bich Thuy, the harmful effects of excess magnesium are divided into levels: mild to moderate and severe.

mild magnesium excess

Diarrhea is the most common symptom of excess magnesium. This is because magnesium draws water into the intestines, causing loose stools and increasing bowel motility. In addition to diarrhea, people with excess magnesium may also experience:

• Nausea.
• Feeling full.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Slightly tired...

Moderate magnesium excess

When magnesium excess becomes more severe, it begins to affect the nervous system, muscles, and circulatory system. Common symptoms include:

• Prolonged lethargy and drowsiness.
• Muscle weakness, trembling limbs.
• Dizziness caused by low blood pressure.
• Facial flushing is caused by dilated blood vessels.
• Reduced nerve reflexes.
• Some people with excess magnesium may also experience a slow heartbeat or unusual palpitations...

• 

Severe magnesium excess

In cases where magnesium levels become excessively high, magnesium excess can become a medical emergency. Patients may experience:

• Difficulty breathing due to respiratory muscle weakness.
• Heart rhythm disorders.
• Blood pressure dropped sharply.
• Loss of tendon reflexes.
• Coma or cardiac arrest...

These complications are common in people with kidney failure or those who take magnesium-containing medications in excessive doses for extended periods.

3. How to handle suspected magnesium excess.

If you suspect you have excess magnesium, you need to quickly identify the cause and take appropriate action.

Immediately stop using magnesium-containing products such as magnesium supplements, magnesium-containing laxatives, magnesium-containing antacids, etc. In mild cases, stopping supplementation and drinking enough water can help the kidneys increase magnesium excretion through urine.

Seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, you should go to a medical facility immediately as these could be signs of severe magnesium excess.

At the hospital, doctors may apply the following measures:

• Calcium gluconate is administered intravenously to counteract the effects of magnesium on the heart and muscles.
• Use diuretics to increase magnesium excretion.
• Dialysis is indicated for patients with renal failure or severe magnesium toxicity.

4. How can I supplement magnesium safely and avoid magnesium overdose?

Dr. Do Bich Thuy advises: To avoid magnesium excess, magnesium should be used according to needs and indications. Prioritize magnesium from natural foods. Natural sources of magnesium are generally safer than supplements. Some magnesium-rich foods include:

• Pumpkin seeds.
• Almond.
• Spinach.
• Black beans.
• Whole grains.
• Dark chocolate.

The body usually regulates its absorption of magnesium from food, so it is less likely to cause magnesium excess compared to dietary supplements.

According to recommendations, adults should not supplement more than approximately 350mg of magnesium per day from all sources. Taking multiple supplements simultaneously to reduce fatigue, muscle cramps, or improve sleep can increase the risk of magnesium overdose. Individuals with impaired kidney function are most susceptible to magnesium overdose due to their limited ability to excrete the mineral. Therefore, if you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking any magnesium supplements.

Magnesium deficiency is less common than magnesium deficiency, but it can still have serious consequences if ignored. Early recognition of signs such as prolonged diarrhea, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat will help in timely treatment and limit dangerous complications. Proper magnesium supplementation, prioritizing natural foods and avoiding overuse of supplements, is a solution to ensure the body receives sufficient essential minerals without increasing the risk of magnesium excess.

Readers are invited to watch the video :

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/dieu-gi-xay-ra-khi-co-the-du-thua-magie-169260522102828291.htm