Listen to Your Body: 8 Signs You Need More Magnesium
With so many vitamins and minerals available, it can be difficult to figure out what your body needs and what it’s missing. Most of us are so set in what we eat that we don’t think too much about what nutrients we put into our bodies. But the fact is that many women suffer from a deficiency of proteins and iron, which has noticeable consequences for our daily lives. The same goes for magnesium. A healthy adult needs at least 300-450 mg per day, but the average adult in the US consumes only about 250 mg daily. Magnesium is particularly important for energy production, muscle and nerve functions, bone strength, and numerous other factors that keep us strong and healthy. So find out now if you’re getting enough magnesium by watching for these signs!
1. Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are extremely painful, especially when they wake you up at night. The National Library of Medicine found that magnesium supplements significantly reduce muscle cramps. It was particularly helpful for pregnant women experiencing cramps.
2. High Blood Pressure
(Too) high blood pressure is a sign that your heart is working too hard. According to The American Heart Association, a study showed that participants who took a magnesium supplement had much lower blood pressure than those who did not. They say increased magnesium is an inexpensive solution for high blood pressure.
3. Constipation
Magnesium supplements can be particularly helpful for people suffering from constipation. Magnesium absorbs more fluid into the small intestine. It also helps to stimulate bowel movements.
4. Anxiety
Anyone who has suffered from panic attacks knows what a terrible feeling it is. According to contemporary psychology, magnesium plays an important role in minimizing stress and worries. It blocks stress receptors that cause us to become depressed or anxious.
5. Irregular Heartbeat
Magnesium helps keep our heartbeat regular and many pharmacists even prescribe it to patients for this problem, writes The People’s Pharmacy. An irregular heartbeat could be nothing more than a lack of magnesium, but it’s always good to ask your doctor if you’re experiencing any!
6. Sleep Problems
There are hundreds of reasons why you might not be getting enough sleep, but magnesium is generally an important ingredient for a good night’s rest. According to research, people who took a magnesium supplement slept much better with fewer interruptions in their sleep.
7. Craving Chocolate
You may have various reasons for craving chocolate, but a magnesium deficiency can certainly be a contributing factor. Chocolate is rich in magnesium, so if you crave chocolate, it could mean your body is actually craving magnesium.
8. You’re Taking Medications
It’s easy to overlook the fine print on the packaging of our medications. That being said, there are some medications that can cause magnesium deficiency. According to Ancient Minerals, certain antibiotics, some contraceptives, asthma medications, and some heart medications can cause magnesium deficiency.
What should you eat to get more magnesium?
If you’re not getting enough magnesium, don’t worry! It’s very easy to increase your magnesium levels through a variety of tasty, easy-to-find foods. Foods like cashews, bananas, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, tofu, and chickpeas are all great sources of magnesium.
Don’t forget to SHARE this story with someone you suspect needs more magnesium!
Everyone should know more about how to recognize the signs if they have a magnesium-deficient diet and what they can do to eat more essential vitamins.
