Top Signs That You Have Magnesium Deficiency and What to Do About It
Top Signs That You Have Magnesium Deficiency and What to Do About It
Magnesium is everywhere. It is one of the ten most abundant minerals in the world. It is one of the five most abundant minerals in the human body, and about half of it is found in the bones. It's everywhere, but somehow millions of people are magnesium deficient because there aren't many accurate tests to determine if you need magnesium, but there are signs your body may benefit from it. .
Why do you need magnesium?
More than 300 different reactions in your body require the right amount of magnesium. High levels of it are found in the soft tissues of the brain and heart, two major systems that depend on the mineral for effective function. It regulates your body temperature and helps flush toxins out of your body. The list of health benefits is too long to describe in detail, but here are some of the top benefits associated with magnesium consumption.
regulate blood pressure
reversal of osteoporosis
prevention of heart disease
treatment of diabetes
Relieve depression and anxiety
treatment of sleep disorders
strengthen bones
build proteins
Helps with weight loss
Promote healthy blood circulation
treatment of asthma
prevention of stroke
Magnesium, Vitamin D, Calcium
We've all heard how important calcium is for strong bones and a strong immune system, but without enough magnesium, calcium can be downright dangerous. Once the body uses calcium, magnesium helps move it out of the cells. Without enough magnesium, calcium can build up and act as a toxin instead of being absorbed into the bones in a healthy way.
Just as calcium is dependent on magnesium, magnesium is essential for the proper absorption of vitamin D. Magnesium is not well absorbed during digestion, so if you are deficient in the vitamin, you may not get all the benefits even if you consume magnesium. Finding a balance between these three essential factors is the key to good health.
How do you recognize magnesium deficiency?
Most people in the world have this deficiency, so it's not difficult to determine if you have a deficiency. It's estimated that 68 to 80 percent of Americans don't get enough magnesium in their system. A magnesium test checks the level of magnesium in your blood. However, most of the body's magnesium is found in the bones and cells, and a small amount is usually found in the blood. While there aren't many accurate tests to determine if you have high magnesium needs, there are indications that your body may benefit.
Some minor indicators are lack of focus and energy throughout the day. You can tire easily and have trouble concentrating. People with magnesium deficiency suffer from increased irritability, stress and anxiety. Some common deficiency symptoms are listed below.
sound sensitivity
sleep disturbance
infertility
Regular headaches
digestive problems
depression
temperature fluctuations
muscle stiffness
There are also more serious indicators. You may lose your appetite or feel sick. Left untreated, symptoms can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and sudden mood swings.
Why are we magnesium deficient?
Industrial agriculture consumes soil nutrients. Instead of fertilizing with rich, vigorous compost, we treat the soil with synthetic fertilizers. As a result, magnesium is depleted from the topsoil and less is available for food.
Refined/processed foods are stripped of minerals, vitamins and fiber.
The city's water treatment plants have stepped up efforts to remove pollutants such as lead, pesticide residues and nitrates from drinking water. Unfortunately, these modern water treatment processes remove essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium from drinking water. This problem is compounded by the fact that many people have added water filters to their homes that remove residual minerals from the water.
Diseases caused by magnesium deficiency
Magnesium is essential for many bodily processes, and its deficiency can contribute to a variety of health problems. If you don't get enough of this important mineral, you could be exposing yourself to serious health problems.
Because it interacts with calcium, magnesium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and poor bone health. It is also associated with preventing heart disease and heart attacks. People who die from sudden cardiac arrest have low levels of magnesium.
How do I get enough magnesium?
The first step in maintaining healthy magnesium levels is to identify the root of the problem. For most people, this is due to a restricted diet. New agricultural advances are depleting magnesium yields and ruining foods that were once a great source. While water is a good source of magnesium, adding fluoride makes it harder for the body to break down the mineral.
There are also several habits that contribute to magnesium deficiency. Drinking caffeine every day (especially large amounts of sugar), eating too much processed food, and drinking too much alcohol are habits that deplete mineral levels. Certain medications, such as birth control pills and diuretics, can lower magnesium levels. If you're on medication and concerned about your magnesium levels, consult your doctor.
What can you do?
The best dietary sources of magnesium are usually vegetables and nuts. There are many fruits and whole grains that will give you a magnesium boost. Consider some of the items on this list the next time you go shopping.
Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
sunflower/pumpkin seeds
lentils and beans
Brown rice
avocado
banana
Dark chocolate or powder
