In my search for a natural sleep aid, I came across something that proved to have many other uses. Magnesium (Mg). Mg is also called “the relaxation mineral”. It is a vital mineral in our daily diets. Many people may be deficient in this mineral and not even know it. It is responsible for the reaction of over 300 enzymes, including: bone, muscle, brain and cell energy. It also aids in muscle relaxing.
According to Dr. Mark Hyman:
“You might be magnesium deficient if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Muscle cramps or twitches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to loud noises
- Constipation
- Headaches/Migraines
- Chronic fatigue
- Kidney stones
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- PMS/Menstrual Cramps
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Reflux
- Trouble swallowing
Magnesium deficiency has even has been linked to inflammation in the body”
After having tried magnesium supplements, I found it very helpful in getting a full night’s sleep; also in relieving foot spasms at the arch of my foot and toes (from dancing), and decreasing the tension it tight and injured muscles/joints.
To get a proper balance and absorption of this important mineral in our bodies, adequate amounts of vitamin B6 (1.3 mg), D (5 mcg/200IU) and selenium (55 mcg) are recommended.
Eating magnesium rich foods should be a part of one’s lifestyle, as well. Foods such as kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ, almonds, cashews, buckwheat, brazil nuts, filberts, millet, pecans, walnuts, rye, tofu, soy beans, brown rice, figs, dates, collard greens, shrimp, avocado, parsley, beans, barley, dandelion greens, and garlic.
On the other side of this scale of, we see influences that decrease magnesium levels which might be excess consumption of alcohol, salt, coffee, and colas. If you overly sweat, are under prolonged or intense stress, experience chronic diarrhea or excessive menstruation, use diuretics (water pills), antibiotics and other drugs, check with your doctor to see if you are magnesium deficient, as certain medications may cause a loss of magnesium.
Another option is to take magnesium supplements. Walking into a health food store, I found myself overwhelmed by the many different types of magnesium. Some common forms are: citrate, glycinate taurate, and aspartate. Be aware that a side effect of too much magnesium may be diarrhea. If this happens, switch to magnesium glycinate. It is also recommended that those with kidney or heart disease take magnesium only per their doctor’s approval.
One very simple and pleasurable way to get/absorb magnesium sulfate is taking an Epsom salt bath……ahhhhhh.
After reading this article, do you feel like you get enough magnesium in your diet? I look forward to hearing your thoughts about this important mineral.
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