Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia is a condition in which the levels of magnesium in the body are low. Magnesium is a mineral that is contained in the bloodstream, heart, muscle, and also bone. Magnesium is generally obtained by the body from food and is an important substance that plays a role in more than 600 body reactions. Some of them are:
- Energy producer. Magnesium helps the body transform food into energy.
- Protein formers. Magnesium helps the body in forming new proteins from amino acids.
- Gene Maintenance. Magnesium helps the body maintain and repair disorders in DNA and RNA.
- Muscle movement. Magnesium helps muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Nervous system regulators. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters, the compounds in the body that carry signals to blood vessels, muscles, and also the brain. = "1000"]
Young vomiting woman near sink in bathroom [/caption]
In examining the levels of magnesium contained in the body, can be a series of tests, one of which is a blood test. The test will show the amount of magnesium content in the blood. A person may be called hypomagnesemia if the magnesium level in his blood is less than 1.8-2.2 mg/ dl. Whereas if the magnesium level is more than 1.8-2.2 mg/ dl, the condition is called hypermagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia Symptoms Hypomagnesemia Symptoms of hypomagnesemia that appear on each person may differ depending on how severe the conditions are. Here are the common early symptoms if a person has magnesium deficiency:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Appetite decreases
- Muscle cramp
Other symptoms can occur if the condition of hypomagnesemia worsens. See your doctor immediately if symptoms occur:
- Numbness
- Seizures
- Heart rhythm disturbance
- Eye movement disorder (nystagmus)
Causes of Hypomagnesemia
Decreased intestinal ability in absorbing magnesium is a common cause of hypomagnesemia. However, low magnesium levels may also be caused by impaired discharge in the kidney.
There are other risk factors that can cause decreased magnesium levels in the body. These factors include:
- Consume alcohol.
- Chronic diarrhea.
- Frequency of excess urination (polyuria).
- Hyperaldosteronism or high levels of aldosterone hormone can cause symptoms of high blood pressure, numbness, and fatigue at all times.
- Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels).
- Malabsorption syndrome, for example celiac disease and inflammation of the intestines.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Malnutrition
- The effects of drug use, such as amphotericin B, cisplatin, ciclosporin, diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Diagnosis of Hypomagnesemia
generally done to see the magnesium levels in the patient's body is a blood test.
Normal magnesium levels are at 1.8-2.2 mg/ dl. If the blood test results show a number below it, then the patient suffers from magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia. If the number shown decreases to 1.25 mg/ dl, then the hypomagnesemia is severe.
In addition to blood tests, there are other tests that doctors may take to measure magnesium levels in the body, such as: p>
- Urine test, by measuring the amount of magnesium released by the body through the urine.
- Red blood cell test, to check magnesium levels in red blood cells
- EXA t est , to check the levels of magnesium in the body cells.
Hypomagnesemia Treatment
Overcoming hypomagnesemia can be done by changing lifestyles and taking drugs or supplements. Consult your doctor about appropriate therapy with existing conditions.
If the patient's condition is still relatively mild, usually the doctor will give oral medication (oral). However, if the patient has difficulty in chewing and the condition of hypomagnesemia is already severe, then the doctor can give a syringe.
Here are some commonly used drugs for treating hypomagnesemia:
- Magnesium sulfate Magnesium gluconate Magnesium lactate
- Amiloride
- Sprinolactone
Eating foods containing magnesium helps to restore normal levels of magnesium. Foods that can increase magnesium levels include:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Soy milk
- Whole grain cereal
- Avocado
- Banana
- Salmon fish
- Spinach
- Potatoes Prevent Hypomagnesemia
Some things you can do to prevent hypomagnesemia are:
- Change your lifestyle. Maintain a healthy body by applying a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as undergoing treatment according to doctor's advice for medical conditions experienced. Perform routine checks if you have a condition of heart failure, diabetes, and chronic diarrhea may increase your risk of hypomagnesemia.
- Watch your intake. Eat foods containing magnesium every day. Consult your doctor about how much daily magnesium intake is needed.
- Consumption of supplements. Hypomagnesemia can be overcome by taking magnesium supplements. However, the use of this supplement should be recommended by a doctor.
- Avoid consuming alcohol. Alcohol can prevent the body from absorbing magnesium, and alcohol can also increase the disposal of magnesium through the urine.