topic Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium? in Wellness

Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 21:40:36 GMT

I've been having a problem with low magnesium counts for about a year. My doctor has me on 1200 Mg's a day and I try to eat the right foods. I've had infusions last Jan, Feb, and March and it barely went up. I have labs done on Friday and I am concerned that the numbers are going to be low again. I am having horrible muscle cramps in my feet and legs. She is also going to check my potassium again. I drink plenty of water also. I was just wondering if anyone here has gone through this and what they did for it.TIA for any advice.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

chickenbutt — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 22:14:48 GMT

I take a 400mg Magnesium each evening, after my dinner.

I don't have a doctor, so I don't know anything about numbers. But I was having some problems with getting jimmy legs at night. Well, actually, just my right leg and right arm. It would last the entire night, so I got absolutely no sleep.

I researched it and it looked like I needed Mag, plus with that I also take a B6/Folic Acid/B12 sl tab along in the evening.

I think this has made about a 99.9% difference for me. I say that because, every now and then (VERY infrequently, thankfully) I do get that icky physical anxiety. But I was getting it a LOT more frequently before so I feel like I'm on the right track.

I learned that if I have a day where I'm *chair-sitting too long and unable to drink enough water I can have a problem with this.

*Chair-sitting - I have a problem with my right knee so sitting in a chair with legs bent like that is something I have to do sparingly.

I know this affected me negatively from a recent day when I had an appointment where I had to be chair-sitting for quite a while. Added to that, before I have to go somewhere, I make sure I don't drink too much of my water so that I won't have to go to the bathroom. Then, I catch up on the water when I get home. I usually drink 4 bottles a day. On that day, between the chair-sitting and not getting caught up with my water for the day, I ended up awake all night with that physical anxiety. Lesson learned!

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

hckynut — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 22:28:24 GMT

@chickenbutt

SMH! 🤨

🙄

hckynut

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

customerqvc2 — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:15:56 GMT

It sounds like your issue may be a metabolic one. Some drugs can also lower potassium. I would follow your doctor's advice and ask more questions of your doctor about how she/he thinks you ended up with low potassium. That's the key.

Edited: Same for potassium AND magnesium. Either can be caused by a metabolic issue or medications. Check with your doctor.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

chickenbutt — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 22:58:40 GMT

@hckynut wrote:
@chickenbutt

SMH! 🤨
🙄

hckynut

Uh, I don't get it. Why am I getting the SMH and rolleyes. I didn't say anything wrong or untrue. I'm just curious. TIA for advice. @hckynut

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 23:30:43 GMT

@chickenbutt wrote:
I take a 400mg Magnesium each evening, after my dinner.

I don't have a doctor, so I don't know anything about numbers. But I was having some problems with getting jimmy legs at night. Well, actually, just my right leg and right arm. It would last the entire night, so I got absolutely no sleep.

I researched it and it looked like I needed Mag, plus with that I also take a B6/Folic Acid/B12 sl tab along in the evening.

I think this has made about a 99.9% difference for me. I say that because, every now and then (VERY infrequently, thankfully) I do get that icky physical anxiety. But I was getting it a LOT more frequently before so I feel like I'm on the right track.

I learned that if I have a day where I'm *chair-sitting too long and unable to drink enough water I can have a problem with this.

*Chair-sitting - I have a problem with my right knee so sitting in a chair with legs bent like that is something I have to do sparingly.

I know this affected me negatively from a recent day when I had an appointment where I had to be chair-sitting for quite a while. Added to that, before I have to go somewhere, I make sure I don't drink too much of my water so that I won't have to go to the bathroom. Then, I catch up on the water when I get home. I usually drink 4 bottles a day. On that day, between the chair-sitting and not getting caught up with my water for the day, I ended up awake all night with that physical anxiety. Lesson learned!

@chickenbutt Unless you've been diagnosed as being deficient, you likely could be overdoing it. Assuming one's overall health is good, females only need 320 mg. of magnesium daily. Taking too much via supplements can cause cardiac troubles, a sudden drop in BP, diarrhea, joint pain. I would urge you to supplement only as needed, only making up the difference, after considering your intake from meats, nuts, avocados, seeds, grains, etc. through your diet.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:40:45 GMT

@chickenbutt

You are so fortunate that you were able to figure out what to do to alleviate the muscle cramps AKA Charlie Horses. I get them almost every night in both feet/toes and legs Sometimes in both legs at the same time. I can't even stretch or roll over in bed without getting these things.

For as the numbers. They want the magnesium over 2 and mine is close to 1 as my high. Now one point doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is when it comes to magnesium. What concerns me is that low magnesium counts can cause a person to have a heart attack or stroke with no symptoms until it is too late. Like I said I've had several infusions and that didn't really increase my magnesium all that much. So, count your blessings that you have found relief. I take 400 mg three times a day and I don't see it helping. This is a prescription form, not an over the counter tablet. I drink the water and eat my spinach and the foods and nuts high in magnesium so I'll just have to see what goes on Friday.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:36:31 GMT

@customerqvc2

My potassium is ok, it's my magnesium that is low. Although she is rechecking my potassium too on Friday.

@customerqvc2 wrote:
It sounds like your issue may be a metabolic one. Some drugs can also lower potassium. I would follow your doctor's advice and ask more questions of your doctor about how she/he thinks you ended up with low potassium. That's the key.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

msgb — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:22:23 GMT

I take 600 mg of Magnesium thru the day.

There are certain types of magnesium that are better than others.

There is a book called Miracle Magnesium by Caolyn Dean, MD. This is a very informative book.

I have fibromyalgia and it does help in some respects.

It also is supposed to help with other health issues.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

colleena — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:43:28 GMT

@Leeny I so appreciate what you are going through with your muscle cramps, etc.

I don't have low magnesium but I have low ferritin levels which cause horrible restless legs/leg cramps which are like omg how can that happen, it's so bad. Once my doctor started checking not just my iron levels but the ferritin levels & I'm now getting iron infusions almost quarterly it seems to be so much better. Not sure if you mention to your doctor to check ferritin levels next time you are tested it might just help. Good luck.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

gertrudecloset — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:58:25 GMT

I supplement Potassium because of cramping. Real bad cramps in my thighs, legs and feet. This comes from a diuretic I take. I finally told my doc to check my blood and he discovered that I needed to supplement.

I read most people don't get the daily recommended doses with food. I'm not taking a lot, but it sure has helped me. I take 400mcg a day.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

ALRATIBA — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:06:31 GMT

You can increase magnesium levels simply by taking a bath in epsom salts.

EPSOM SALT BATH BENEFITS

There are many benefits to adding these salts to your bath. Take a look at why:

#1 Restore Magnesium Levels

Magnesium is readily absorbed through the skin. From here it penetrates into the muscles and blood stream. Soaking or floating is an ideal way to top up your levels and promote relaxation.

Google "epsom salt bath benefits" - lots of info online.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

chickenbutt — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:22:52 GMT

@Leeny wrote:
@chickenbutt

You are so fortunate that you were able to figure out what to do to alleviate the muscle cramps AKA Charlie Horses. I get them almost every night in both feet/toes and legs Sometimes in both legs at the same time. I can't even stretch or roll over in bed without getting these things.
For as the numbers. They want the magnesium over 2 and mine is close to 1 as my high. Now one point doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is when it comes to magnesium. What concerns me is that low magnesium counts can cause a person to have a heart attack or stroke with no symptoms until it is too late. Like I said I've had several infusions and that didn't really increase my magnesium all that much. So, count your blessings that you have found relief. I take 400 mg three times a day and I don't see it helping. This is a prescription form, not an over the counter tablet. I drink the water and eat my spinach and the foods and nuts high in magnesium so I'll just have to see what goes on Friday.

Oh dear! I sure do hope you find relief!! Stretches are good, too. I try to do some stretches with my legs and torso each day, sometimes before I get out of bed and sometimes during the day.

I think, for this sort of thing, stretches are kind of important. That, along with making sure I drink my 4 bottles of water a day and take my Mag and that other one in the evening, has made a HUGE difference.

I'm glad you will be seeing your doc. I know how miserable this is. I live in pain every single day and I would seriously rather have even more pain than this! That's how horrible it feels to toss and turn all night with that physical anxiety. You are so exhausted, yet you cannot go to sleep because you cannot keep still for more than a moment.

My heart goes out to you!!

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

customerqvc2 — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:19:46 GMT

@Leeny wrote:
@customerqvc2

My potassium is ok, it's my magnesium that is low. Although she is rechecking my potassium too on Friday.
@customerqvc2 wrote:
It sounds like your issue may be a metabolic one. Some drugs can also lower potassium. I would follow your doctor's advice and ask more questions of your doctor about how she/he thinks you ended up with low potassium. That's the key.

Either magnesium or potassium being low can be a metabolic issue. Also, medications can lower either. I would check with your doctor since you are definitely having troubles and follow the doctor's advice carefully.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:58:57 GMT

@msgb

I also have fibromyalgia and I know that is a central nervous system disorder. Sometimes I think all my health issues are some how connected to that "syndrome". Like I said before I am already taking 1200 MG of magnesium 400mg 3 times a day. I also know magnesium is stored in our bones. Our bodies do not make it, unfortunately. I just wish my body would absorb it. Thank You for your post.

@msgb wrote:
I take 600 mg of Magnesium thru the day.
There are certain types of magnesium that are better than others.
There is a book called Miracle Magnesium by Caolyn Dean, MD. This is a very informative book.
I have fibromyalgia and it does help in some respects.
It also is supposed to help with other health issues.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:04:47 GMT

@colleena

I am not sure if my ferritin levels have been checked or not. I will definitelybring that up to her I didn't mention it before but I also have restless leg syndrome and take medication for that. It helps tremendously. I tried to skip taking it a couple of times and that was a no go for me. I feel for you too. Nobody that deals with this has no idea what it feels like.. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

Thanks for your post.

@colleena wrote:
@Leeny I so appreciate what you are going through with your muscle cramps, etc.

I don't have low magnesium but I have low ferritin levels which cause horrible restless legs/leg cramps which are like omg how can that happen, it's so bad. Once my doctor started checking not just my iron levels but the ferritin levels & I'm now getting iron infusions almost quarterly it seems to be so much better. Not sure if you mention to your doctor to check ferritin levels next time you are tested it might just help. Good luck.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:09:29 GMT

@gertrudecloset

I am not taking any potassium supplements presently. Mr Dr. is checking my potassium again on Friday. I do take Silver Centrum for women over 50 which has some. ;I get my blood checked frequently so hopefully something shows this time so I can get some relief soon.I appreciate your post.

@gertrudecloset wrote:
I supplement Potassium because of cramping. Real bad cramps in my thighs, legs and feet. This comes from a diuretic I take. I finally told my doc to check my blood and he discovered that I needed to supplement.

I read most people don't get the daily recommended doses with food. I'm not taking a lot, but it sure has helped me. I take 400mcg a day.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:24:36 GMT

@ALRATIBA

Oh my gosh I wish this was an option for me. If I had a walk in tub I could do this, but we don't. I can't get into a tub, oh I can get in (sort of), but getting out is another issue. Ever since I had total knee replacement 7 years ago I can't do it. Plus I don't have enough strength in my arms to push myself out. I miss taking bubble baths like you wouldn't believe. I have the epsom salts,, but they wouldn't work in the shower. Thank You for your post!!

@ALRATIBA wrote:
You can increase magnesium levels simply by taking a bath in epsom salts.

EPSOM SALT BATH BENEFITS
There are many benefits to adding these salts to your bath. Take a look at why:

#1 Restore Magnesium Levels
Magnesium is readily absorbed through the skin. From here it penetrates into the muscles and blood stream. Soaking or floating is an ideal way to top up your levels and promote relaxation.

Google "epsom salt bath benefits" - lots of info online.

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

Leeny — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:25:21 GMT

@chickenbutt

Thank You so much for your kind words in your post. I wish I could do stretches. If I try to stretch my legs or feet it throws me into a muscle cramp that about sends me to the moon. I can get those in my toes and feet and it runs up my entire leg. It's really tough when I get them simultaneously Then the bathroom wants to call me. Have you ever tried to walk with muscle cramps? OMG.( I know.TMI). You know, when I was a kid I'd get a charlie horse once in a blue moon, but boy nothing like these things. I also think of all this magnesium I take and how this can affect a person's kidney's with kidney stones, which I have issues with also.. I think I need a whole new body... Thanks again for your post.

@chickenbutt wrote:
@Leeny wrote:
@chickenbutt

You are so fortunate that you were able to figure out what to do to alleviate the muscle cramps AKA Charlie Horses. I get them almost every night in both feet/toes and legs Sometimes in both legs at the same time. I can't even stretch or roll over in bed without getting these things.
For as the numbers. They want the magnesium over 2 and mine is close to 1 as my high. Now one point doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is when it comes to magnesium. What concerns me is that low magnesium counts can cause a person to have a heart attack or stroke with no symptoms until it is too late. Like I said I've had several infusions and that didn't really increase my magnesium all that much. So, count your blessings that you have found relief. I take 400 mg three times a day and I don't see it helping. This is a prescription form, not an over the counter tablet. I drink the water and eat my spinach and the foods and nuts high in magnesium so I'll just have to see what goes on Friday.

Oh dear! I sure do hope you find relief!! Stretches are good, too. I try to do some stretches with my legs and torso each day, sometimes before I get out of bed and sometimes during the day.

I think, for this sort of thing, stretches are kind of important. That, along with making sure I drink my 4 bottles of water a day and take my Mag and that other one in the evening, has made a HUGE difference.

I'm glad you will be seeing your doc. I know how miserable this is. I live in pain every single day and I would seriously rather have even more pain than this! That's how horrible it feels to toss and turn all night with that physical anxiety. You are so exhausted, yet you cannot go to sleep because you cannot keep still for more than a moment.

My heart goes out to you!!

Re: Anyone Experiencing Low Magnesium?

gertrudecloset — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 18:06:45 GMT

@Leeny wrote:
@gertrudecloset
I am not taking any potassium supplements presently. Mr Dr. is checking my potassium again on Friday. I do take Silver Centrum for women over 50 which has some. ;I get my blood checked frequently so hopefully something shows this time so I can get some relief soon.I appreciate your post.
@gertrudecloset wrote:
I supplement Potassium because of cramping. Real bad cramps in my thighs, legs and feet. This comes from a diuretic I take. I finally told my doc to check my blood and he discovered that I needed to supplement.

I read most people don't get the daily recommended doses with food. I'm not taking a lot, but it sure has helped me. I take 400mcg a day.

@Leeny I can not supplement potassium. I take a medication that is potassium based *hbp* pill. No supplementation with those pills. They ARB's. Antogen Receptor Blockers and my doc told me not to supplment with potassium and not to use a salt substitute either.