Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps with numerous bodily functions, including protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. Magnesium can also help regulate hormone levels and cardiovascular function, as well as to build strong bones. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is pretty common—so here are five reasons you need more of it!
An Overview of Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps with numerous bodily functions. It can help regulate hormone levels, cardiovascular function, and even to build strong bones. Magnesium deficiency is pretty common, so it's imperative to get enough of it in your diet or through supplements like magnesium citrate.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is pretty common. The first reason you should be taking magnesium is because it is often lacking in the diets of many Australians. One reason for this is because many grains are now fortified with iron instead of magnesium, so people may get more iron but not enough magnesium. Other reasons may include: family history of a genetic disease that decreases magnesium absorption; excessive use of diuretics, alcohol or caffeine; prolonged periods without eating; and chronic diarrhea or vomiting.
Magnesium deficiency can also stem from certain medications like antibiotics or diuretics, as well as some health conditions like diabetes, alcoholism and Crohn's disease. Magnesium deficiency can lead to other health problems, such as osteoporosis, migraines and hypoglycemia. It's important to know the signs of deficiency so you can take steps to ensure you're getting enough!
Why You Need More Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps with numerous bodily functions, including protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. Magnesium can also help regulate hormone levels and cardiovascular function, as well as to build strong bones. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is pretty common—so here are five reasons you need more of it!
Better Sleep
Sleep-related magnesium deficiencies have been documented in a number of studies and can lead to a poor quality of sleep. Studies show that individuals suffering from insomnia have lower plasma levels of magnesium than those getting enough sleep. This lack of sufficient sleep can reduce your mood and inhibit concentration as well.
Weight Loss
Low levels of magnesium may be linked to obesity in various populations. Low dietary intakes, increased requirements due to metabolic demands, reduced absorption or increased excretion may all contribute to this phenomenon.
Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium has many benefits for the human body. It helps regulate hormone levels, keeps your heart healthy, and strengthens your bones. Magnesium also contributes to protein synthesis and glucose metabolism.
Some people are more at risk of magnesium deficiency than others. If you have a history of kidney disease, diabetes, alcoholism, or live in an area with low-magnesium soils, you may be at risk of magneseum deficiency. If you notice any symptoms of magnesium deficiency in yourself or someone else, such as muscle cramps, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, irregular heartbeat or seizures—talk to a medical professional right away!
How to Get More Magnesium
There are many ways to get more magnesium in your diet. Nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens are just a few of the foods that contain magnesium. You can also take supplements or use bath salts to help replenish your magnesium levels.
There are many different foods that contain magnesium, so it's not difficult to get enough in your diet. If you want to try and increase the amount of magnesium in your diet, consider adding some of these foods:
- Our Goodnight Chai provides plenty of magnesium
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Dark leafy greens (spinach and kale)
- Spinach soufflé
- Chocolate brownies with cream cheese frosting
- Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
Magnesium is a nutrient that many people are deficient in and don’t even know it. Luckily, magnesium can be found in a variety of good sources, including dark chocolate and avocados. But it’s important to get enough magnesium and not too much, so it’s best to talk to your doctor about your diet and supplementation options to get the right balance.