Magnesium Overdose

Can you have too much magnesium?

A magnesium overdose can result in various side effects from minor to extremely serious.

Please remember that serious magnesium supplement side effects tend to be quite rare.

Magnesium is an important mineral needed by your body to function at its absolute best.

It is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body and helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function as well as supporting a healthy immune system.

There is no doubt that your body needs to maintain a healthy level of magnesium in order for you to feel and function at your best.

People who are concerned with maintaining a healthy immune system as well as general overall health often seek to eat foods high in magnesium such as those high in fiber like almonds and green leafy vegetables.

Added to this they take magnesium supplements to insure that they are giving their body all of the magnesium it needs.

However, for those people who think that more is better, they may in fact be putting their bodies and their health at risk without even knowing it.

There is such a thing of too much of a good thing and overdosing on magnesium can result in various side effects from minor to extremely serious. These side effects usually begin with nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Because there are so many minor health conditions such as the flu that can cause these symptoms, most people who are overdosing on magnesium do not associate these minor symptoms with too much magnesium unless the side effects get worse and they seek treatment.

Side Bar...

There are side effects with taking too much magnesium, but they shouldn't deter you from making sure you get the proper amounts.

The issue of not enough magnesium is bigger than the concerns of a magnesium overdose. Many people don't get enough magnesium which is more of a health issue.

End Side Bar...

Usually these minor symptoms are ignored until they are accompanied by the more serious symptoms of a magnesium overdose which includes lethargy, low blood pressure, low pulse rate and breathing difficulties.

These more serious symptoms can often come on more slowly and over time so they are not immediately noticed.

Meanwhile the person having these symptoms continues to put more and more magnesium into their bodies until they become ill enough that they have to take notice and seek medical care.

If seeking treatment is put off too long while you continue to overdose your body with magnesium, coma and death can result. Though this is rare it is a possibility.

In addition, people with kidney problems are at especially high risk and should never take magnesium supplements unless under a doctor's care.

The Right Dose of Magnesium

Only a doctor can tell you for sure whether or not your body is in need of extra magnesium. If you are eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber chances are, that your body has near the amount of magnesium that it needs without the aid of supplements.

However, if you are worried if your magnesium is low, then by all means see your doctor and have this checked out and he/she can advise you on how best to regain the magnesium levels your body needs.

Keep in mind that even a young and healthy individual with good kidney health should not usually take more than 1000 mg of magnesium a day for more than a week without a doctor's supervision.

It is possible to have too much of a good thing and in the case of magnesium it is best to consult your doctor to know just how much magnesium you should be adding to your diet.