Could my dad, who has Parkinson’s, be deficient in magnesium?
Some of Dad's recent symptoms have me questioning his electrolyte levels
I recently discovered that I, like 10% to 30% of the human population, am deficient in magnesium. The mineral plays a key role in supporting nerve and muscle function, the immune system, and strong bones, and it’s commonly found in foods such as green, leafy vegetables, nuts, and coconut water. A magnesium deficiency can contribute to symptoms such as nausea, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, tremors, and an abnormal heart rhythm.
I discovered I was deficient in this powerful mineral after evaluating my cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which magnesium generally helps regulate. When this regulator became depleted, my cortisol levels climbed.
After checking off a handful of magnesium deficiency symptoms I was experiencing, I remembered that I’m practically a clone of my dad, who has Parkinson’s disease. The realization made me wonder if he was at risk of this issue, as well.
While Dad hasn’t had his magnesium levels tested yet, he’s experienced several symptoms that could possibly be attributed to a deficiency. For example, over the past year, he’s made a few trips to the emergency room after becoming severely dehydrated (at least, that’s what we thought the problem was). A bag of fluids later, he felt human again.
Lately, he’s also been struggling with nausea more than he used to. When this symptom first materialized, we were quick to write it off as a side effect of levodopa. And it could be. But now I’m wondering if the problem is a little more complicated than that.
As an athlete, any time I ran into this type of nausea, I assumed that my salt levels were low. (Lab testing has shown that they’re often on the low side.) As a result, I started keeping a large supply of electrolytes at home. Gulping down the slightly salty liquid almost immediately pushed the queasiness away. My latest test results showed that I’m deficient in both salt and magnesium. And guess what? Electrolytes contain both of those things, and IV fluids may contain magnesium in addition to saline.
According to the Australian nonprofit organization Parkinson’s NSW, “Recent research has suggested that people living with Parkinson’s are often deficient in magnesium, which may have a protective role to play in regard to neurological diseases in general.”
For that reason, I want to make sure we evaluate my dad’s levels. My theory could be totally off base. But if there’s a way to alleviate some of his struggles, we need to explore it.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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