As we get older it gets so difficult to keep track of everything - what we're eating, how much we're exercising, how often we visit the doctor - that it's easy to get overwhelmed. But your health is too important to overlook, and one of the easiest ways to protect your health is to arm yourself with knowledge.
While we know to watch how much sugar we eat and get outside for a walk, there are a handful of really dangerous conditions that most people just don't know about. Take hypermagnesemia for example.
Magnesium is a mineral that travels through your bloodstream, carrying the electric charge that helps your body do all of its important processes. We get magnesium from the foods we eat, especially nuts, leafy greens, whole wheat bread, and fish. It keeps your bones strong and your heart healthy.
You might even take magnesium as a supplement to control migraine headaches, or if you have osteoporosis. But you can have too much of a good thing. If your liver and kidney can't regulate the amount of magnesium in your blood, you'll be affected by hypermagnesemia.
Click to the next page to learn the causes and symptoms of this condition!
The people most at-risk of developing hypermagnesemia are patients already living with conditions like kidney or liver disease. Alcoholics or people who aren't eating enough (including seniors who make their own meals) are also at risk.
Other conditions, including hypothyroidism, can make your magnesium levels rise. So can some drugs which are full of magnesium like laxatives, antacids, and medicines for preeclampsia.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you can get a blood test for hypermagnesemia from your doctor:
-Nausea, vomiting
-Neurological impairment
-Low blood pressure
-A flushed look in your face
-Headaches
The most effective way to prevent hypermagnesemia is to stick to a healthy diet and keep track of any medications you're taking that contain magnesium.
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