7 signs of Magensium defiicency
7 Signs You May be Deficient in Magnesium
by Greenhealing on June 30, 2014 in Articles
Magnesium is by far one of the most important minerals in the human body. In fact, researchers have detected over 3,000 different magnesium binding sites on human proteins – meaning that magnesium’s role in human health and disease processes may have been vastly underestimated. It’s estimated that approximately 80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. The reason why? Well its simple, most Americans eat a highly processed refined diet that contains little to no magnesium. In addition to our poor diets, many of our life style factors actually decrease our body’s magnesium levels. Alcohol, salt, coffee, phosphoric acid in soda’s, profuse sweating, chronic stress, diuretics, antibiotics and other drugs can all deplete magnesium stores. This is all further complicated by the fact that magnesium is often poorly absorbed from our diet. To properly absorb magnesium we need adequate amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin D, and selenium. There are many symptoms and conditions associated with magnesium deficiencies, but if you suffer from one or more of the 7 signs listed below you are in need of some extra magnesium!
Muscle cramps and spasms Think of magnesium as the “relaxation” mineral. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy and stiff is a sign of magnesium deficiency. It has been suggested that many individuals with muscle cramps, twitches or restless legs have low levels of magnesium.
Insomnia Much like with our muscles, a magnesium deficiency can leave our minds unable to properly relax. Magnesium is also responsible for the release and binding of adequate amounts of serotonin and GABA in the brain, both of which are essential for proper sleep.
Anxiety As with insomnia, anxiety can be a sign that the body does not have enough magnesium to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin or GABA. Taking a magnesium supplement can often alleviate anxious thoughts or feelings.
Fatigue Our body’s main energy currency exists in a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This omnipresent energy source must be bound to a magnesium ion in order to be biologically active. Thus, if a body is deficient in magnesium, it literally cannot produce energy! Now, fatigue is a common symptom that could be caused by many other conditions, but taking a magnesium supplement is a surefire way to make sure that it is not due to a magnesium deficiency!
Chocolate Cravings Chocolate contains high levels of magnesium so when you crave chocolate, your body is actually craving magnesium! Instead of reaching for a piece of chocolate try eating foods like a handful of nuts or an avocado – the magnesium levels in these foods should help control those chocolate cravings.
Sensitive to Being Tickled Being extremely ticklish can also be a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Without adequate magnesium, sensory receptors on our skin can become hyper-excitable, leading to sensitivities to certain types of touch. z
Claustrophobia Strangely enough, if you feel anxious when you are tight spaces (or if you have anxiety in general) it may be a sign you have a magnesium deficiency.
