How important is magnesium? Our body uses magnesium in over 300 different enzymatic processes to help keep it functioning properly. It is common for most of us to be deficient in magnesium and not even realize it. While it is difficult to diagnose magnesium deficiency it is hard to say exactly how many people suffer from this mineral deficiency. Knowing the causes and signs of magnesium deficiency can help you stay healthy.
7 Signs You Need More Magnesium:
Muscle Cramps
Involuntary muscle spasms are one of the tell tale signs that you need more magnesium. When you are running low on this essential mineral your body will start sending you signs. This is when you might start experiencing those painful late night leg spasms.
Anxiety
Do you have anxiety? There are many causes of anxiety but one of those can be a magnesium deficiency that triggers the central nervous system sending early warning signs by an increased feeling of anxiety.
High Blood Pressure
Do you still have high blood pressure even though you are exercising regularly? Magnesium deficiency can cause the blood vessels to constrict more which will cause high blood pressure. If you also have an electrolyte imbalance due to the lack of magnesium this can contribute to high blood pressure as well.
Constipation
You might not have thought about supplementing more magnesium if you suffer from regular constipation but this can be extremely important. If you don’t have enough magnesium your bowels tend to contract, making it difficult to eliminate properly. With enough magnesium your bowels can relax and pulls sufficient amounts of water into your intestines to create an osmotic effect to aid in the passing of waste.
Sleep Issues
There are many reasons that could be contributing to a restless night of sleep but decreased levels of magnesium while you sleep is one of those. Increasing your magnesium intake with diet, a supplement, or magnesium oil can help improve sleep within a couple of weeks if low levels of magnesium is the cause of your sleeplessness.
Irregular Hearbeat
As we already learned magnesium is important for our muscles. Your heart is a muscle! If the heart is having difficulty contracting due to low levels of magnesium you can experience irregular heartbeats.
Chocolate Cravings
While chocolate cravings can be delicious they may also be telling you that you need more magnesium. This is because dark chocolate contains 24% of your daily needs in just one square of chocolate. That’s right! Chocolate is a good source of magnesium. So next time you have a craving, treat yourself to a little dark chocolate.
What Causes Magnesium Deficiency?
These key factors contribute to lower levels of magnesium:
- Stress plays a huge role so do your best to incorporate calming practices like meditaion, yoga, exercise, coloring, or whatever you feel helps calm your mind after a stressful day.
- Foods high in sugar, caffeine, salt, and alcohol should be limited, especially if you feel you are overdoing it.
- Some medications can also cause magnesium deficiency. Talk to your doctor to make sure.
- Certain genetic factors could also be causing problems with absorption.
What Can You Do to Get More Magnesium?
Incorporate foods high in magnesium into your diet:
- Leafy greens
- Avocado
- Nuts and seeds
- Quinoa
- Dark chocolate
- Beans and lentils
Supplements that contain magnesium:
You can look at magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate but don’t take them for extended periods of times to avoid having digestive issues. I prefer a high quality magnesium oil to spray on the abdomen and legs every morning. This does not have any digestive side effects and can be used long term with no adverse reactions.
Resources:
Causes of a lack of Magnesium
This Invisible Deficiency Can Harm Your Health
Low Magnesium
Magnesium Overview
