If you’re stressed, drink alcohol, eat any amount of processed food or take antibiotics, chances are you may be magnesium deficient. Up to 75 percent of US adults are deficient in magnesium not just because of lifestyle choices, but also because of the poor soil quality and chemicalized water rampant in this country. Magnesium is a mineral essential to 600 different bodily functions. The benefits of magnesium are well worth finding out if you’re getting enough.
The best way to know if you’re deficient is to be tested by your doctor, but you may have an idea if you experience any one of these common symptoms of magnesium deficiency: migraine headaches, painful and debilitating PMS symptoms, trouble sleeping and weakened or cramping muscles. In my health coaching practice, it isn’t uncommon for clients to experience any one or more of these symptoms and my first instinct is explore their magnesium levels.
I know what you’re thinking … another supplement? I typically am not a fan of supplementing unnecessarily but the benefits of magnesium supplementation are well worth it. Restful Sleep: There is no better sleeping pill than magnesium. It helps relax the muscles to promote better sleep. You can also achieve the same effect with an Epsom salt bath.
One // Restful Sleep. There is no better sleeping pill than magnesium. It helps relax the muscles to promote better sleep. You can also achieve the same effect with an Epsom salt bath.
Two // Muscle Relaxation. Without enough magensium, your muscles may twitch and spasm which can cause cramping and tingling. Low magnesium levels is one of the most common causes of painful PMS symptoms.
Three // Stress Relief. Low magnesium levels make stress feel more intense so if you regularly have high levels of stress in your life, make sure your magnesium levels are where they should be.
Four // Better Bowel Movements. If regularity is an issue for you, try a magnesium supplement before bed. It helps to relax the muscles of the digestive system to get things moving.
Five // Fewer Migraines. If you’re prone to migraines you should most certainly include a magnesium supplement in your daily routine. Magnesium improves blood circulation and the function of neurotransmitters both of which play a role in migraine headaches.
Of course, supplements can’t replace the vitamins and minerals found in food so make sure you’re also eating these magnesium-rich foods:
- dark leafy greens like spinach and chard
- pumpkin seeds
- kefir
- dark chocolate (at least 75% or more)
- avocado
- black beans and lentils
- figs
- almonds
- bananas
- tuna, mackerel and pollock
Interested in other supplements I recommend? Click here to read my post about my top 3 daily supplements.
There are a variety of different types of magnesium available. I like and use Magnesium Glycinate which is the most absorbabl form of magnesium.
Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements.
Leave a Reply