17 Signs You Have a Magnesium Deficiency & The Foods You Need to Start Eating Immediately
08/04/2020
Magnesium. I‘ll never forget science classes when we were allowed to set the metal alight and watch it burn super brightly. I didn’t know then that magnesium is a chemical that is actually necessary for my body to function correctly. In fact, a lot of people don’t know they might have a magnesium deficiency that could be causing them health problems.
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It is a ‘cofactor’ in more than 300 enzyme systems. In layman’s terms, this means that it’s a substance whose presence is essential for the activity of an enzyme. Basically, without magnesium, a whole bunch of biochemical reactions in the body couldn’t happen. It’s ridiculously important. Because of magnesium’s many functions within the body, it plays a major role in disease prevention and overall health. (1)
Magnesium and Health
Low levels of magnesium have been associated with a number of chronic diseases including migraine headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown the effectiveness of magnesium in eclampsia and preeclampsia, arrhythmia, and severe asthma. Other areas that have shown promising results include lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, improving glucose and insulin metabolism, relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea, and alleviating leg cramps in women who are pregnant. Magnesium is also used to treat constipation and dyspepsia. (2, 3)
Alcoholism and Magnesium Deficiency
If you have an alcohol problem, it’s highly likely that you’ll have a magnesium deficiency. Excessive alcohol intake has been shown to cause something known as ‘renal magnesium wasting’, which, if a diet is lacking in high magnesium content, could place an individual at risk for magnesium depletion. Almost all chronic alcoholics have at least some symptoms of magnesium depletion and this, therefore, can cause other issues. (4, 5)
Magnesium Rich Foods
Good food sources of magnesium include unrefined (whole) grains, spinach, nuts, legumes, and white potatoes (tubers). Green leafy vegetables are rich in magnesium. Foods such as unpolished grains and nuts also have high magnesium content, whereas meats, starches, and milk are more intermediate. (5)
Supplements for Magnesium Deficiency
If you find it difficult to get more magnesium through your diet, consider taking a supplement. Tablets are a convenient way to ensure you’re getting enough magnesium. Be warned though: taking high doses of magnesium (more than 400mg daily) for even a short time can cause symptoms such as diarrhea. There’s not currently enough evidence to say what the effects might be of taking high doses of magnesium for a long time, so it’s best to only do so with your doctor’s approval. Another alternative to tablets is a spray that you can rub on to your skin. Sprayed onto arms, legs or sore muscles and joints, this magnesium spray boasts rapid relief from a number of symptoms. (6, 7)
If you think you’re suffering from a magnesium deficiency, a simple blood test conducted by your doctor will be able to tell you if you truly are. Then, you can look at ways to increase your magnesium levels and get back into tip-top health. Even if you’re not deficient, why not consider adding more magnesium-rich foods into your diet anyway. They can only help increase your overall health!
Looking for options to boost your magnesium? Magnesium oil enters your body much faster, much safer, and exactly where you need relief. So, if you’re looking for relief that will last, transdermal magnesiumis the perfect solution. No digestive discomfort – just fast-acting 100% pure magnesium oilto soothe your pain and lower inflammation.
Remember if you are considering supplementing with Magnesium- BE CAREFUL
Lots of magnesium supplements cause stomach upset and even diarrhea. I use myKore Essentials Topical Magnesium spray not only to ensure that I am getting the proper amount of magnesium my body needs to function optimally but also to help with pain, sleep and the occasional migraine
Sources:
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23674807
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19621856
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3544909
- https://www.nap.edu/read/5776/chapter/8#193
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/#magnesium
- https://www.mykoreessentials.com/shop/