5 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Magnesium

What is magnesium? How does it work in the body? Why is it so important? These are all important questions to ask. Whether your eyes twitch when you’re tired or you experience painful period cramps, there are many symptoms that may indicate low magnesium levels. Fortunately, plenty of foods and high-quality supplements can help get magnesium levels back to a healthy level.

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral, needed for hundreds of physiological processes in the body. It is part of many cellular systems in the body that regulate energy production, electrolyte balance, neurotransmission, muscular conduction, inflammation, bone development and blood glucose control.

Did you know?

Muscle twitches, cramps, spasms, palpitations, and in more severe cases, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, and constipation can all be signs of a magnesium deficiency.

Certain foods, medications, and stress can also interfere with magnesium levels. I.e., alcohol and caffeine increase the excretion of magnesium, tannins in tea bind and remove minerals such as magnesium. Stress can also reduce hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach – decreasing magnesium absorption.

There are some signs that you may not be getting enough magnesium in your diet, including the following:

Muscle spasms/weakness

Twitching eyelids, leg cramps at night and painful period cramps may be signs that you need more magnesium. While most magnesium is stored in bones, a large amount is stored in muscles. Getting enough magnesium may help muscles function optimally and avoid painful cramps. Ancient Minerals have a high-quality range of magnesium products to help soothe and relax muscles. Try their most concentrated source – the Magnesium Oil – massaged into areas needing attention.

Skin Conditions

Unpleasant skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis may benefit from bathing in magnesium, such as Ancient Minerals’ Magnesium Bath Flakes. It’s suitable for both adults and kids and many people find magnesium flakes are more gentle on sensitive skin.

Chocolate cravings

Craving for chocolate may be a sign your body needs more magnesium. Dark chocolate rich in cocoa is a good source of magnesium. Try a teaspoon of Loving Earth Raw Organic Dark Drinking Chocolate mixed in with your favourite milk or milk alternative to help satisfy chocolate cravings and resist the temptation of sugar-laden chocolate that can aggravate cravings further.

Stress and/or Anxiety

Magnesium may help the body to fully relax. The effects of stress and anxiety can be felt throughout the whole body and lead to a range of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms. Our qualified Naturopaths in-store are available to offer free health advice and guidance, including practitioner-only dispensed products such as Diasporal Magnesium. As a pure magnesium powder, it’s absorbed quickly which may assist manage symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Constipation

Magnesium may assist draw water into bowel to help achieve cleansing and detoxing; which is particularly helpful if you’re experiencing constipation. Try Thompson’s Organic Magnesium tablets, which are free from gluten, dairy, soy, wheat and yeast to be extra sensitive on the bowel.

How to get more magnesium into your diet:

Since magnesium is part of chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants), green leafy vegetables such as spinach and silverbeet are great sources. Other foods include nuts, seeds, wholegrains such as brown rice, bananas, other vegetables and legumes.

In supplement form magnesium – not all magnesium supplements are created equal. It’s important to go for quality. Some are more bioavailable/better absorbed in the body, as well as many different forms of magnesium (glycinate / citrate / oxide / hydroxide and more).

Magnesium is an incredibly important mineral for so many of our bodily functions. From blood pressure, insulin release, pain management, stress & mood support … as well as being a muscle relaxant. Speak to our team in store to find the right one to suit your personal needs.

Before taking magnesium, speak with your healthcare professional and as always speak with our in-store qualified Naturopaths for complimentary advice.