The Connection Between Magnesium Deficiency and Vertigo

Understanding the Link Between Magnesium Deficiency and Vertigo

If you've ever experienced the room spinning, felt off balance, or had bouts of dizziness, you may have suffered from vertigo. This sensation can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. For those who deal with chronic vertigo, finding the root cause and an effective treatment is imperative.

Recent research has uncovered an association between magnesium levels and vertigo symptoms. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays many important roles in the body. When levels run low, it can manifest in various ways. Let's take a closer look at the connection between magnesium deficiency and vertigo.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo refers to the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. It may feel like you are spinning, swaying, or tilting. Vertigo can also create the sense that the room is spinning around you. These episodes are often accompanied by dizziness and a loss of balance.

Vertigo is more than simple dizziness. With vertigo, you feel a false sensation of movement. True dizziness describes feeling lightheaded, woozy, or faint. Vertigo can induce nausea, vomiting, and cause you to feel off-kilter. Attacks may last for just moments or continue for hours at a time.

Common Causes of Vertigo

There are two main categories that vertigo symptoms tend to stem from:

• Peripheral causes - This relates to issues with the inner ear. It could involve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, or vestibular neuritis.
• Central causes - These types of vertigo originate in the brain. Causes can include migraines or trauma.

When it comes to peripheral vertigo, crystals in the inner ear becoming dislodged can trigger vertigo episodes. This disruption in the ear can make it difficult for the brain to interpret balance and spatial information correctly.

The Role of Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that plays an essential role in nerve, muscle, and brain function. This important mineral helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and supports the immune system. Magnesium enables over 300 different enzymatic reactions throughout the body.

Within the brain, magnesium aids neurotransmitter production and activity. Neurotransmitters allow nerve impulses and signals to be transmitted in the brain and nervous system. Magnesium also plays a role in governing equilibrium and vestibular sensitivity.

How Magnesium Deficiency Contributes to Vertigo

When the body is deficient in magnesium, it can impact many aspects of health. Insufficient magnesium levels have been linked to symptoms of vertigo and dizziness. Here's how magnesium deficiency may contribute to vertigo:

• Nerve transmission - Magnesium supports nerve conduction by stimulating neurotransmitters. Without adequate levels, communication between the brain and body can be disrupted.
• Vestibular dysfunction - The vestibular system includes the inner ear and parts of the brain that process balance. Magnesium helps this system work properly. Deficiency can cause vertigo symptoms.
• Anxiety and depression - Low magnesium is associated with anxiety and depression. Both of these mental health issues may provoke vertigo symptoms.
• Blood vessels - Magnesium helps blood vessels relax and open. Deficiency can cause constriction and affect circulation, which may lead to vertigo.
• Inflammation - Magnesium has anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Inflammation reductions may help minimize inner ear disturbances.

Research indicates that lower magnesium levels correlate with more severe vertigo and dizziness. Those with chronic vertigo tend to have reduced magnesium levels compared to healthy individuals. Addressing a magnesium deficiency could help reduce vertigo episodes.

Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is quite common. In fact, some estimate that up to 50% of people in the U.S. don't get enough of this mineral. Here are some signs that your magnesium levels may be low:

• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Muscle spasms, tics, or cramps
• Fatigue and low energy
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Vertigo or dizziness
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Leg cramps or restless legs

Keep in mind that medication use, digestive conditions, diabetes, and alcohol consumption can all impact magnesium absorption and levels. Chronic stress also depletes magnesium from the body.

Should You Get Tested for Magnesium Deficiency?

Blood tests are available to check magnesium levels, but they have limitations. Since only 1% of the body's magnesium is found in the blood, a blood test may not catch marginal deficiencies. Erythrocyte magnesium testing using red blood cells offers a more accurate picture.

Checking magnesium levels before supplementing is ideal. However, if your symptoms align with a deficiency, trying magnesium supplements for a few weeks can tell you if replenishing this mineral offers relief or not.

Be sure to consult your doctor about testing and optimal magnesium intake for your individual health needs.

Best Magnesium Supplements for Vertigo

Addressing a magnesium deficiency through diet and/or supplementation may aid vertigo. Here are some of the top magnesium supplements to consider:

1. Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine) offers excellent bioavailability. This form is gentler on the digestive system than some other types of magnesium.Take magnesium glycinate in doses from 400-500 mg daily. Space out your dosage throughout the day for optimal absorption.

2. Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate provides a good dose of malic acid, which has been shown to boost energy levels. Those with fatigue and chronic vertigo may benefit from this supplemental form. Take around 400 mg per day.

3. Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium L-threonate is a form that can more readily cross the blood-brain barrier. This makes it ideal for supporting the central nervous system and brain function. Take 150-200 mg per day.

4. Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate has a bioavailability around 30%. It is often used short-term to address constipation, but can also help increase magnesium levels long-term. Take 300-500 mg daily.

5. Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths allow magnesium to absorb through the skin, rather than orally. Dissolve 1-2 cups of Epsom salt in warm bathwater and soak for at least 15 minutes. Soaking 2-3 times per week can correct a deficiency over time.

Other Remedies for Vertigo

While magnesium supplements may reduce symptoms, incorporating other remedies can further help minimize vertigo episodes:

• Vestibular rehabilitation - Physical therapy targeting vertigo reduces flare-ups long-term.
• Improve sleep hygiene - Get at least 7-8 hours per night and aim for consistent bed/wake times.
• Stay hydrated - Dehydration exacerbates vertigo symptoms.
• Ginger - Ginger root capsules or tea can ease nausea from vertigo.
• Antihistamines - Drugs like meclizine reduce dizziness and motion sickness.

For chronic vertigo sufferers, following a vertigo-friendly diet is also beneficial. Avoiding foods that trigger inflammation like sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and gluten can help minimize flare-ups.

When to See a Doctor

Brief episodes of vertigo when changing positions is normal. But if you regularly experience:

• Vertigo that lasts for hours or days at a time
• Difficulty walking or balancing due to vertigo
• Nausea, vomiting, or migraines accompanying vertigo
• Hearing changes or loss during vertigo episodes

See your doctor to identify potential underlying causes. You may be referred to an otolaryngologist that specializes in vertigo and dizziness disorders. Proper diagnosis and treatment are key for managing chronic vertigo.

The Bottom Line

Research confirms that there appears to be a correlation between magnesium deficiency and vertigo symptoms. Ensuring adequate magnesium levels can minimize episodes and reduce severity.

Combine magnesium supplementation with other lifestyle changes, remedies, and medical treatment if needed. With consistency, you can overcome vertigo and dizziness!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.