Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency affects 80% of the Western world, due to soil depletion and processing of foods.
Shocking, isn’t it? Especially considering how important magnesium is for our health. You can experience depression, insomnia, anxiety and migraines if you are running low on magnesium. It can also help decrease the frequency of panic attacks.
Signs of you may be Magnesium deficient:
- loss of appetite.
- nausea and vomiting.
- fatigue and weakness.
- shaking.
- pins and needles.
- muscle spasms.
- hyperexcitability.
- sleepiness.
What are the main functions of magnesium in my body?
- Relaxes all muscles and helps you sleep.
- Can counteract depression.
- Helps to prevent migraines.
- Decreases fibromyalgia pain.
- Improves brain function in ADHD suffers.
As a woman, if you crave chocolate before your period (Yum!) this can signify you are magnesium deficient. I would love to recommend that you carry on eating chocolate all month round to help with this! However, even though 1 bar of high quality dark chocolate does contain 300mg of magnesium, its absorption orally is not great. Coffee, high stress levels and eating a high-sugar diet can all contribute to magnesium not being absorbed well from your diet.
How can I raise my Magnesium levels quickly?
Eating foods such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, butternut squash, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, white non-oily fish, oats, flaxseeds, ginger, halibut, yellowfin tuna, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, which are all rich in magnesium.
Magnesium absorption is much better through the skin. Many companies make a topical cream which you can massage into your calves just before you sleep.
Epsom salt footbaths, 2-3 x a week are another easy way to absorb magnesium. Dissolve 250g Epsom salt/ tubful of water, and soak your feet for 30 mins. The water will keep for a few days. A fairly easy and low-cost way to get your magnesium intake and relax, whilst ticking your ‘self-care’ box. You can easily do this whilst watching TV or working.
Did you found this magnesium deficiency article interesting? Contact me for info about how magnesium maintains your blood pressure keeps your heart healthy.
Want to know more about Magnesium Deficiency? You can read more about it at Wikipedia
