Retention or accumulation of excessive fluid is termed as oedema, bloating or swelling. This is a condition when the body cells are hydrated more than required. The reasons behind fluid retention may be hormonal, illness, any diet change or certain medications. Magnesium deficiency also leads to oedema. There are many methods to reduce fluid retention. One of the ways is supplementing the body with calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Magnesium In Treating Fluid Retention

Magnesium is essential for our body to carry out various body functions. But can magnesium treat oedema? Lets us find out the answer in this article.

How Important Is Magnesium?

Magnesium has a significant role to play in our body’s vital functions. Its affinity for phosphates is why it is so essential in the biological systems. It is required in any biochemical reaction that involves adenosine triphosphate or ATP, which is the chief energy molecule. It is required for the functioning of Na+/k+/ATPase pump in the heart cells. Magnesium promotes the absorption of calcium. In addition, it has an important role in synthesis of RNA and DNA. It is required for nerve conduction and thus strengthens the muscles.

What Is Hypo magnesia

Both Hypo magnesemia and hypermagnesemia are an imbalance of magnesium. In hypo magnesemia, the level of magnesium in the blood is abnormally low. This condition may be caused due to several factors such as stress, diarrhea, diuretics, chronic alcohol intake and malabsorption of the magnesium. In most of the condition, it occurs along with the low level of potassium, i.e. hypokalaemia. The reason behind is that the release of potassium from the cells is inhibited by magnesium and its reabsorption in kidney tubules is improved. This is why when the level of magnesium in the blood decreases, the potassium loss also increases.

What Is Hypo magnesia

Symptoms of low level of magnesium in blood are weakness, tremors, oedema, tetany, paraesthesia etc.

What IS Hypermagnesemia

In hypermagnesemia, the level of magnesium is unusually high. It is a rare condition, but common in people with kidney failure or those are receiving medications that contain magnesium. High level of magnesium can reduce the activity of the nerves. It mostly involves hypocalcaemia, hyperkalaemia. The symptoms include hypotension, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, weakness and even cardiac arrest.
The level of magnesium in the cells is linked to the level of potassium in the cells. This is why the level of magnesium in the body needs to be delicately balanced.

How is oedema treated

Studies shows that magnesium intake reduces water retention.The absorption of magnesium, as well as calcium, depends on the concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions.
Diuretics, as we know, increases the production of urine and helps to get rid of fluid retention.
The diuretics are categorized into three classes; thiazide diuretic, potassium-sparing diuretic and loop diuretic. Loop diuretic and thiazide diuretic promotes the loss of magnesium in the kidney. Thus, they also lead to potassium loss. Diuretics of both classes inhibits the reabsorption of sodium. On the other hand, potassium-sparing diuretics increases the production of urine but do not inhibit magnesium reabsorption.

Sources Rich in Magnesium

If you suffer from oedema, you need to include foods in a diet rich in magnesium such as nuts, whole grains, seeds, and legumes such as peas and beans. Boiled spinach and fishes such as cod and halibut are also a good source of magnesium.

Other Ways To Reduce Fluid Retention

To reduce fluid retention decrease the intake of salt, increase the intake of vitamin B6, Eat foods rich in potassium such as banana, tomato, avocado coconut water etc. and avoid refined carbohydrates.
For magnesium supplements, consult your physician because magnesium supplement is not good for all.

LINKS:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507252/

https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hypomagnesemia

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