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.
I try to eat a balanced diet but need to supplement magnesium from time to time. The benefits of doing so are great and many, just as the blog says. Thanks!
This is a very interesting article. I never thought that the symptoms I was having was because of Low magnesium. I am defiantly going to get some magnesium rich foods this week and/or maybe a supplement. I hope this helps.
Wow magnesium is a really cool mineral. I like the foods that has magnesium in it. I think I could use some more magnesium. I am excited to get more in my body. :))
Another great. This makes me wonder how my level is on magnesium . Great blog to share.
I knew someone with low magnesium levels and he was admitted to the hospital with the symptoms of a stroke.
My magnesium level is something I have never thought about. I do have some of the symptoms for low mg, I’ll have to ask my doctor to check it for me the next time I’m in. In the meantime, I think I’ll the salt bath!
Before reading this, I never knew how much lack of magnesium in the body can affect your health. Im glad to have read this. Never knew much about this mineral until now!
I went through a period of magnesium deficiency a couple years ago and it took me a while to figure out what was going on. Much like the symptoms listed here I had all sorts of problems including dizziness, migraines, anxiety, constipation, and muscle twitches … not a fun time.
I’m not yet sure what caused it but I suspect it was too much calcium. Now I take magnesium glycinate and magnesium malate on a daily basis and things are back to normal.
Thanks for posting this – it is important that people know about magnesium!
Great blog! I soak in epsom salt frequently and love avocados, so it’s nice to learn some of the benefits from both. Good information to share.
time to get more MG in my life!!!!
I found this article very informative, I was unaware of the symptoms of deficiency. The suggestions for increasing our dietary intake through food and suppliments are helpful, along with the possible side effects that may occur.
Great read! I need more take more baths! Who knew that one thing could effect so much!
I never realized how important Magnesium was until I read this. Thank you for the great read!
I never realized so many foods were that rich in magnesium. Good blog.
I love epsom salt baths thats good to know that i can get magnesium in that way as well as supplements for helping me rest.