Do You Need More Magnesium? Know the Signs Before It’s Too Late

Magnesium is often called the “invisible powerhouse” of the human body, quietly working behind the scenes to support more than 300 biochemical reactions. However, despite its importance magnesium deficiency remains a widespread issue in India. Statistics suggest that more than 60 % of urban adults are not meeting their daily magnesium requirement. For a correct and a definitive diagnosis blood testing and further consultation with a doctor is required. Early detection and management of this deficiency can prevent significant health complications.

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What Does Magnesium Do for the Body?

Magnesium plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health. It helps:

• Regulate muscle and nerve function
• Maintain a steady heart rhythm
• Support a healthy immune system
• Keep bones strong
• Control blood glucose levels
• Aid in protein synthesis and energy production

Even mild magnesium deficiency can disrupt these essential processes, leading to symptoms that are often brushed off or misattributed to other conditions.

How Do You Know If You Have a Magnesium Deficiency?

Known medically as hypomagnesemia, magnesium deficiency tends to progress slowly, making
early detection difficult. However, there are a few tell-tale signs to watch for:

Early Symptoms

• Muscle twitches or cramps
• Fatigue and low energy
• Difficulty sleeping or restless legs
• Increased anxiety or mood swings

Advanced Deficiency

• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure despite a healthy lifestyle
• Osteoporosis or weak bones
• Tingling, numbness, or hand tremors

If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s best to consult a medical professional for a complete evaluation.

Who Is at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency?

Certain populations are more prone to magnesium deficiency mainly due to reduced absorption:

• Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s or celiac disease
• People with type 2 diabetes
• Chronic alcohol users
• Older adults, especially postmenopausal women
• Those on long-term diuretics or antacids

Research also suggests that changing lifestyles and diets with processed foods that lack whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes may also lead to a magnesium deficiency.

Treating and Preventing Magnesium Deficiency

As a preventive strategy, it is important to pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle practices. Here are some expert-recommended tips to help manage a magnesium deficiency:

Dietary Modifications
Include magnesium-rich foods in your regular diet:

• Plant-based: Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, black beans, whole grains, spinach, and dark chocolate
• Animal-based: Yogurt, salmon, and chicken

Magnesium Supplements

For moderate to severe deficiency, your physician might prescribe supplements. Magnesium citrate, lactate, or chloride is best absorbed. Take supplements only on medical advice since high intake can cause diarrhea, nausea, or even heart ailments.

Lifestyle Changes

• Decrease alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Tackle stress with meditation or yoga
• Sustain underlying health issues such as diabetes

Can Magnesium Deficiency Cause Long-Term Health Issues?

Yes. Chronic magnesium deficiency left untreated can cause serious harm to your health. It may lead to:

• Osteoporosis: As a result of defective calcium metabolism
• Cardiovascular disease: Such as arrhythmias and stroke risk
• Type 2 diabetes: Impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• Neurological disorders: Such as migraines and anxiety

Your body always sends signals when something is off; it is up to you to pay attention and seek care. If symptoms persist, do not delay seeking medical care. Whether it’s improving your diet or opting for medical evaluation, or taking supplements, consult experts at our Clinical Nutrition Therapy for further care. Your health is precious. At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, you can consult the best nutritionist in Mumbai for magnesium deficiency concerns and helpful resolutions.

Obesity is no longer just a Western concern; sadly, it has firmly taken root in India. The country now ranks third globally in obesity prevalence, trailing only the U.S. and China. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), over 13.5 crore Indians are obese. More concerning, childhood obesity has risen from 2.1% in 2015–16 to 3.4% by 2019–21, with urban children at even greater risk. These are alarming facts that need awareness and collective action from families, communities, and healthcare systems.

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What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation that prevents normal health. It has severe complications, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems, and even cancer. Obesity is not just a matter of looks—it’s a serious medical condition that should be addressed on time with help from a nutritionist or a bariatric surgeon. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is one of the most advanced centre for bariatric surgery in Mumbai.

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used metric to assess weight status. It is calculated by dividing one’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). According to Indian guidelines:

• BMI 23.0–24.9: Overweight
• BMI ≥25.0: Obese
• BMI ≥35.0: Morbidly obese

These cut-offs are lower than global standards because Indians have a higher propensity for metabolic disorders at relatively lower BMI levels.

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Concern

Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate in India. Recent statistics predict that by 2030, nearly 11% of children aged 5–9 years will be obese. Several lifestyle changes that include increased screen time, intake of junk foods and sugary snacks, and sedentary routines are responsible for this.

Key Factors Contributing to Obesity in India

Several interlinked factors are fueling India’s obesity crisis:

• Unhealthy Diets
  Processed meals, sweets, and high-calorie foods are replacing traditional, healthy Indian diets.
• Sedentary Lifestyle
  There is less space for physical activity with screen entertainment, office work, and driving.
• Urbanization
  Cities value convenience over health—convenient fast foods are available, but healthful outdoor places to play are not.
• Stress & Poor Sleep
  Excessive stress and poor sleep compromise the metabolism, resulting in higher cortisol levels and fat storage.
• Genetics & Medical Conditions
  Certain people are genetically predisposed or have conditions such as PCOS or hypothyroidism.

The rise in obesity is a perfect storm of modern life, and reversing it requires both awareness and action.

Health Tips to Fight Obesity

Here are some expert-recommended tips to follow to reduce the risk of obesity and maintain a healthy weight:

• Eat Healthy
  Include whole grains, seasonal vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet. Stay away from processed foods and junk food.
• Exercise Regularly
  You must perform at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as walking, yoga, or swimming.
• Sleep Well
  Getting good quality sleep for at least 7–8 hours daily is essential to support good metabolism.
• Manage your Stress
  Pursue hobbies you enjoy or practice meditation to reduce cases of emotional eating triggered by stress.
• Family Engagement
  Spend family time on fitness activities and meal planning to instill lifelong healthy habits from a young age.

Why Choose Bariatric Surgery?

For individuals with severe obesity, traditional methods may not suffice. Bariatric surgery is a scientifically backed, life-transforming solution for long-term weight loss. Generally, patients with a BMI ≥35 or BMI ≥30 with co-morbidities are considered for surgery after medical assessment.

Obesity Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Obesity is a serious medical condition that requires attention and specialized treatment. If you are a parent concerned about your child’s increasing weight or an adult seeking medical options to fight obesity, medical help is available. Our Department of Clinical Nutrition Therapy offers specialized weight loss plans to help manage obesity. Additionally, highly trained experts at our Centre for Diabetes & Bariatric Surgery offer obesity treatment in Mumbai. 

Here are some of the common Bariatric Surgeries performed at our hospital:

• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)
  This surgery restricts food intake by creating a small stomach sleeve, limiting meal sizes. 
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB)
  This procedure combines restriction and malabsorption, reducing food intake and calorie absorption. 
• Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB)
  is a simpler, restrictive, and malabsorptive procedure compared to RNYGB. Further it is reversible in nature.
• Duodenal Switch Surgery
  Combines a moderately sized stomach pouch with a bypass of part of the small intestine. It allows for larger meals while still promoting weight loss.
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery
  surgery is used for repairing previous weight loss surgeries for better outcomes.
• Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon (EIB)
  is a temporary solution that uses a non-surgical procedure of placing a balloon in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness. 

Whether you need care from a weight loss clinic in Mumbai or seek assistance from an obesity specialist in Mumbai, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offers multiple options for obesity management. Let’s work together to Make India Fit Again—for ourselves and for future generations.

In today’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, women often find themselves juggling professional goals and personal responsibilities, with little time to prioritize their health. Amid rising fertility concerns in India, one condition has emerged as both common, misdiagnosed and untreated is Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the prevalence of PCOS (used interchangeably with PCOD) in India ranges from 3.7% to 22.5%. In certain urban cities this number can be as high as 36% in adolescents. Despite being highly prevalent, PCOD is still surrounded by misinformation. Let us understand more details of this hormonal disorder and explore the options for PCOD treatment in Mumbai.

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What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD) is a hormonal condition that disrupts a woman’s ovaries,
inhibiting the normal formation and release of eggs. This results in ovaries filling with several
immature follicles and an excess production of male hormones (androgens). This results in
conditions like irregular menses, infertility, acne, and excess hair growth.

Common Symptoms of PCOD

Signs and symptoms can start at puberty or become noticed later, particularly with weight gain.
The most frequent signs are:

• Irregular periods or amenorrhea
• Oily skin and acne
• Increased body or facial hair (hirsutism)
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Weight gain or inability to lose weight
• Infertility or an inability to conceive

If you’re experiencing at least two of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a specialist. You
can consult some of the best gynecologists for PCOD at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
for a detailed investigation.

What Causes PCOD?

The exact cause of PCOD still remains unknown. However, years of medical research indicate
that some of these factors may contribute to PCOD:

• Genetics
  Family history plays a significant role. If your mother or sister has PCOD, your chances of
  developing it are higher.
• Insulin Resistance
  Up to 70% of women with PCOD have insulin resistance. This means the body struggles to use
  insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar and excess androgen production.
• Inflammation
  Chronic low-grade inflammation can also trigger androgen production and worsen PCOD
  symptoms.
• Lifestyle
  Urban women are increasingly getting subjected to sedentary lifestyles, irregular diet patterns,
  and stress, all of them contributing to PCOD.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage PCOD

While PCOD does not have a permanent treatment, it can be reversed in many cases with
sustained lifestyle modifications:

• Weight Management
  Excess weight can have a negative effect on your hormones. Maintain a healthy weight to regulate your hormones and restore ovulation.
• Balanced Diet
  Focus on high-fiber foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
• Exercise Regularly
  You must regularly practice at least 30 minutes of physical activity—HIIT, cardio, yoga, or strength training—most days of the week.
• Sleep Well
  You must create a healthy sleep routine and get atleast 7 to 8 hours of good quality sleep daily.
• Stress Reduction
  Learn to cope with daily stress by including yoga, meditation or any other relaxation technique.

The Role of Diet in PCOD Management

Are you finding a PCOD-friendly diet? You must focus on eating whole foods, stay away from
processed foods and create a diet plan that includes low glycemic index carbohydrates, and
anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Foods to Eat:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Whole grains and legumes
• Low-fat dairy
• Nuts and seeds
• Omega-3 rich fish like salmon

Foods to Avoid:

• Refined sugar
• Processed foods
• Deep-fried or fatty meals

Exercise Recommendations

Choose a combination of:

• Cardio (walking, cycling)
• Strength training (to improve insulin sensitivity)
• Mind-body exercises (yoga, pilates) for hormonal balance

Treatment for PCOD

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, medical intervention is available. PCOD treatment doctors in Mumbai offer a range of options tailored to individual needs. This includes the use of certain medications in most cases to manage the condition. If medications don’t help, some surgical options may be considered.

PCOD Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

While there is no permanent treatment for PCOD, this hormonal disorder is manageable with early medical intervention. Care includes lifestyle changes, better dietary habits and certain medications. Consistent care can help women with PCOD lead more fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms, don’t delay seeking medical care.

Our Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics is a beacon of hope for women facing PCOD. Our experienced team of specialists offers comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment, using the latest medical advancements. We provide personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle guidance and medication, to help get relief, improve fertility and your quality of life. Do not hesitate to seek medical care for PCOD symptoms. An experienced team of gynaecologists at one of the leading gynaecology hospitals in Mumbai, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital helps guide you with personalized care for PCOD.